3/14/22 – Ruth Shipley

Welcome. Today, we’re here to discuss an issue close to the heart of many in Aurora: the unique challenges single parents face in securing affordable housing. Your journey has brought significant attention to this cause. Could you share your story and how it led you to become an advocate?

Thank you for having me. My journey into advocacy for affordable housing for single parents in Aurora began out of necessity. As a single mother, the challenges I faced in finding a home where I could raise my child in a safe, supportive environment were daunting. After my separation, I found myself on a tight budget, trying to balance work, childcare, and the search for a home we could afford on a single income.

The search took us through various neighborhoods in Aurora, from the more suburban areas near Southlands to communities closer to the Anschutz Medical Campus, looking for not just affordability but also accessibility to schools, healthcare, and community services. The lack of options that met all these criteria was disheartening. It became clear that the housing market in Aurora, while growing, wasn’t evolving to meet the needs of families like mine.

This personal struggle led me to engage with local housing advocacy groups and participate in city hall meetings, even if just in a hypothetical sense, to voice the concerns of single parents in the community. It was through these efforts that I realized the power of shared experiences and collective advocacy in driving change.

Your experience highlights a critical gap in housing solutions for single parents in Aurora. How do these personal challenges reflect broader systemic issues?

The challenges I faced are reflective of broader systemic issues that extend beyond my individual story. For single parents in Aurora, the affordable housing crisis is compounded by the need for not just any housing, but housing that is safe, located in communities with access to essential services, and capable of supporting a family on a single income.

This crisis is partly due to a housing market that prioritizes high-income developments, with limited focus on the diverse needs of Aurora’s population, including single-parent families. Additionally, the city’s rapid growth has not been matched with an increase in supportive services or community infrastructure that can ease the burden on single parents, such as accessible childcare, healthcare, and educational opportunities.

Moreover, the discussions at city hall meetings, while increasingly recognizing the need for affordable housing, often lack the specificity required to address the unique challenges faced by single parents. This includes considerations for the location of affordable housing developments, their proximity to schools and healthcare facilities, and the integration of community support services within these developments.

Considering the complexity of these challenges, what solutions or approaches do you believe are necessary to better support single parents seeking affordable housing in Aurora?

Addressing the affordable housing needs of single parents in Aurora requires a multifaceted and empathetic approach.

Firstly, there’s a need for targeted affordable housing policies that recognize the unique circumstances of single-parent families. This includes developing housing units that are affordable on a single income, located in safe, supportive communities, and designed with families in mind, featuring multiple bedrooms and child-friendly amenities.

Second, the integration of supportive services within affordable housing developments can significantly impact the quality of life for single parents and their children. This means not just building homes but creating communities with access to childcare, after-school programs, and healthcare services.

Collaboration between the city, non-profit organizations, developers, and single parents themselves is crucial. By involving single parents in the planning and development process, Aurora can ensure that new housing projects meet their specific needs and preferences.

Additionally, financial assistance programs, such as housing vouchers or subsidies specifically designed for single parents, can help bridge the gap between the cost of living and what single-parent families can afford. These programs should be accessible and flexible, accommodating the diverse needs of families.

Finally, ongoing advocacy and community engagement are essential. By raising awareness about the challenges single parents face and advocating for policy changes at city hall meetings and in public forums, we can build a more inclusive and supportive housing market in Aurora.

As we look toward creating a more inclusive Aurora, what message do you hope to convey to city officials, developers, and the community about the importance of affordable housing for single parents?

The message I hope to convey is one of compassion, urgency, and collective responsibility. Affordable housing for single parents is not just an economic issue but a societal one that affects the well-being and future of our children and our community as a whole.

To city officials, I urge a commitment to developing and implementing housing policies that specifically address the needs of single-parent families, recognizing them as a vital part of Aurora’s community that deserves support and investment.

Developers have an opportunity to contribute positively to the community by including affordable, family-oriented units in their projects, creating spaces that single parents can proudly call home.

To the broader Aurora community, I emphasize the importance of empathy and action. Supporting initiatives aimed at improving affordable housing options for single parents can make a profound difference in the lives of families across our city.

Thank you for sharing your insights and for your dedication to advocating for single parents in Aurora. Your efforts are crucial in ensuring that affordable housing solutions meet the needs of all community members.

Thank you for the chance to share my story and shed light on this critical issue. I remain hopeful that, through continued dialogue, collaboration, and advocacy, we can create a future where every single parent in Aurora has access to the affordable, safe, and supportive housing they need to raise their families. Let’s keep working together towards this goal, fostering a community that uplifts and supports its most vulnerable members.