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"Skyscaper slum" gives Venezuelans escape from poverty, crime

Reuters 2014-04-07

Views 275

It's called "The Tower of David."

Standing 45 floors tall, it's a high rise building overlooking Caracas.

Upon a closer look though, one finds that the building is not even finished.

In fact, it was abandoned after the developer died.

But on the inside, about 3,000 squatters have taken up residency.

(SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) TOWER RESIDENT THAIS RUIZ SAYING:

"People tell us that this is too insecure and that it's really dangerous to walk in front of the building, but I invite you to come and see the reality inside. I am a mother and I wouldn't change it for the outside - we feel insecurity in regard to what's outside the building, not inside. Inside we feel more than safe."

This resident came from a neighborhood ruled by gangs.

Her kids couldn't even leave home.

(SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) TOWER RESIDENT, THAIS RUIZ, SAYING:

"Here, on the other hand, they go to the courtyard to play, they have coaches and they can practice sports and th

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