MNN - Mother Nature Network

Miguel Restrepo, 62, helps his dog Blackie get out of the abandoned sewer where they live in Medellin, Colombia.

 

Restrepo is a homeless former drug addict who has lived underground with his wife, Maria Garcia, for more than 20 years. Many homeless people in Colombia seek shelter underground because of the drug trafficking and gang violence that plagues Medellin.

 

Restrepo rests with Blackie and his wife Maria on their bed on Dec. 4 inside the sewer they call home. The living area is equipped with a stove, a television and a fan, which are powered by electricity that Restrepo rigged up.

 

Blackie carries a small wicker basket in his mouth on Dec. 4 as Maria peeks out from beneath the sewer manhole leading to their home.