A mom in Woodburn, Oregon, recently shared a surprising discovery on social media: someone was living beneath her home.
Heather Lagaso noticed a clear hatch while prepping for a golf tournament. Her curiosity led her to post on Reddit under the title “Someone’s been living under my house,” showcasing photos of a sleeping bag and pillows found inside. This post quickly went viral, garnering 67,000 upvotes and almost 3,700 comments.
Heather, 44, is a cemetery preservationist, local historian, and social worker. She lives with her husband Nick and their two sons, Max and Jordin, ages 12 and 29, respectively.
In an accompanying YouTube video, Heather opened the hatch to reveal the belongings. She mentioned, “I gave them literally the last of my cash. It can be scary, right? But it’s still a human.” After returning from her tournament, she found the items untouched.
She organized the items into waterproof bags, leaving a note that offered help and indicated they weren’t in trouble. Remarkably, just two hours later, a 49-year-old woman knocked on her door, sharing that she had been homeless for three years.
According to recent statistics, there were approximately 653,104 homeless individuals in the U.S. in 2023, the highest number in a decade. California leads the nation in homelessness, followed by New York and Florida, with places like Oregon having high rates relative to their population.
The American Apartment Owners Association defines squatters as individuals living on a property without legal permission, and laws regarding their rights vary across states. Some states grant tenant rights after just 30 days of occupancy.
A bill in New Hampshire is working to address the issue of squatters, while New York is facing debates about whether its laws are too lenient.
In her experience, Heather discussed the situation with the woman, ultimately calling a friend at the department of human services to provide further assistance. The woman expressed regret for not seeking permission to stay under the house and explained that she had accessed the space years prior, mainly using it for storage. Heather hopes she receives the support needed to improve her circumstances, noting, “We’re all just a few missed paychecks away from being there.”
Reactions on Reddit
The story captivated many Reddit users, with some sharing their own experiences. One user reminisced about spending time squatting under an unoccupied house, while another reflected on the desperation that can lead someone to hide underground. Comments ranged from personal anecdotes to expressions of empathy for those facing such challenges.