A homeowner was shocked to find a stranger living under her 113-year-old house, leading to a surprising encounter.
A woman recently made an unbelievable discovery beneath her home while cleaning the outside area.
The challenges of homeownership usually involve mortgages, maintenance, and taxes, but few expect to find a stranger living under their house.
However, for this American woman, the surprise came when she found that the small hatch leading to her home’s crawlspace was unlocked and open.
Homeowner baffled to discover stranger living beneath her 113-year house
She decided to investigate the situation further.
The woman, known as u/springchikun, shared her findings on social media platforms like Reddit and YouTube.
She recounted her experience of discovering a stranger living beneath her 113-year-old house.
“I don’t think it’s been slept in super recently. It would be a serious risk for them, and it’s been very warm,” she explained.
“I do think they access it to retrieve their belongings at least weekly, as the opening had no cobwebs inside.”
She also noted the presence of more items to the left, including a backpack.
“Maybe these things belong to different people who had the same idea?” she speculated, adding that the bag had a head-shaped dent in it.
The Oregon-based woman admitted her lack of awareness about the situation.
“In my defense, I struggle to hear,” she explained.
“The house is large, and I don’t spend time in that part of the house.
I’m gone a lot due to my day job, and I restore old cemeteries as a hobby, sometimes being away for up to 12 hours a day.
When I get home, I’m usually exhausted and sleep hard.”
After her initial discovery, she decided to leave a note for the stranger in the crawlspace.
She also included some cash, hoping it would encourage the person to knock on her door.
Eventually, the stranger did just that, and the two women came face-to-face to discuss the situation.
“Her name is Gaby, and she’s in her late 40s,” the homeowner revealed.
“She said she only sleeps there occasionally, maybe once or twice a month.
Gaby never uses flames under there and mostly just keeps her things there. She apologized for not asking.”
The homeowner discovers Gaby’s situation
Through their conversation, the homeowner learned that Gaby struggles with mental health issues and cannot afford stable housing.
Despite receiving disability support from Social Security, it isn’t enough to cover rent.
Gaby also has a criminal record, which has made it challenging for her to find a job, leaving her homeless for nearly three years.
“Her family knows where she is but they don’t know how to help her. She has a phone they pay for,” the Reddit user shared.
She decided to help the stranger living beneath her house
Recognizing the need for help, the woman contacted a friend who assists homeless individuals with essential services.
“I gave her my phone number, put her in my car, and drove her to my friend, who is going to help her get food, shelter, and a mental health evaluation,” she concluded.
“Fingers crossed it’s the beginning of something great for her.”