Hidden homeless caves blocked by barricades along the Tuolumne River in Modesto
MODESTO — Change is happening at the hidden homeless caves in Modesto along the Tuolumne River after a story CBS13 first reported on Tuesday.
On Wednesday, City of Modesto crews and the police department were putting up barricades and caution tape to keep people out of the homeless caves.
"People were actually taking this serious as a safety hazard, which is what I have always identified it as," said Tracy Rojas, who lives in the neighborhood near the homeless caves.
Rojas took us inside one of the eight caves that were cleared out over the weekend.
"Somebody has spent a lot of time going through this and putting this together," she said.
This is what it looks like out near the makeshift steps that lead down to the caves that were dug into the Tuolumne riverbank in Modesto. Neighbors said they have never seen a response or movement like this before to the problem. @CBSSacramento pic.twitter.com/cS6PbGqcIJ
— Tori Apodaca (@tori_apodaca) January 24, 2024
Some neighbors had no idea about the rent-free living happening 20 feet below them until we showed them.
CBS13 continued to take the community's concerns to the city and police but got no direct answers on a plan moving forward.
"A lot of my neighbors didn't want to talk to the media," Rojas said. "They were nervous of retaliation from the homeless people."
Progress spoke for itself with boots on the ground Wednesday afternoon, fewer than 24 hours after our story aired Tuesday.
Many of the city crews that were working in the area said they had no idea the elaborate caves existed there. They even found one homeless man in a cave when they showed up to do the work.
"When was the last time you monitored that area? Because there was a home under there," Rojas said. "It only takes one person to make a difference, and I think we have shown that here."
Neighbors finally felt heard, but are still calling for more change along Crater Avenue such as better street lighting, permanent fencing, park signage and consistent patrols.
"If they say they are going to patrol, then I want to visibly see patrols," Rojas said of law enforcement in the area. "I want to see them active."
The barricades are a temporary solution along the Tuolumne River, but the question remains as to whether they will make an impact on an issue rooted in people trying to seek refuge.
"A fence is not going to stop this," said Sean Sisemore, who lives near the homeless caves. "Give them a place to live."
Homeless outreach teams who were out as crews put up the barricades told CBS 13 that resources are available, it comes down to people accepting it. They are continuing to build relationships with homeless folks and connect them to resources.
There is no timeline for how long the temporary barricade will be up or what the permanent solution in this area will be moving forward.
The City of Modesto sent CBS13 a statement Wednesday evening on the safety measures being implemented. See the full statement below.
"Following recent revelations about the presence of caves along the Tuolumne River in Modesto, city departments have proactively joined forces to address safety concerns and ensure the well-being of our community.
Upon learning about the caves, our dedicated City and State departments are working collaboratively to implement immediate safety measures. The first step in this process involves strategically placing barricades and temporary fencing in the identified area. This precautionary action aims to restrict access to the caves, prioritizing safety. In addition, the area will see an increase of law enforcement, fire department, and City staff to assist in monitoring the area. Upon request, City personnel can provide information and resources to those who may need shelter and social services.
The City recognizes the importance of not only addressing the immediate safety risks but also working towards a comprehensive solution to permanently eliminate these caves. Our commitment is to navigate this situation with diligence, taking into account the structural safety of the surrounding areas. The safety and well-being of our community remain our top priorities, and we appreciate the understanding and cooperation of our residents during this process.
The City of Modesto will also be placing signage along the affected areas informing people not to trespass due to safety concerns. We encourage those using the area to remain vigilant of unsafe and fenced-off areas. If you would like to report an unsafe use of this area that requires immediate attention, please contact Modesto Police non-emergency at (209) 552-2470. In the event of an emergency call, 9-1-1."