Marisa, a longtime resident of Aurora, is a mother of two. I met her during the December 26 City Council meeting. This is her first appearance on the AHO newsletter. We sat down later that Tuesday evening to discuss her thoughts and experiences on apartment housing in Aurora at large.
This conversation has been condensed for clarity.
Good afternoon, Marisa. Thank you for agreeing to speak with us today. To start off, could you tell me about your experiences with paying rent here in Aurora?
Good afternoon. Thank you for having me. Paying rent has been a constant struggle for me and my family. Despite working two jobs, keeping up with the monthly rent, utilities, and other living expenses feels like a never-ending battle. The rent increases almost every year, and it’s getting harder to manage. There have been times when I’ve had to choose between paying rent and buying groceries.
That sounds incredibly challenging. Have you ever utilized housing assistance programs like Section 8 vouchers to help with rent?
Yes, I applied for Section 8 housing assistance a couple of years ago. The waiting list was incredibly long, and it took over a year to get approved. While the voucher does cover a significant portion of the rent, finding a landlord willing to accept it was another hurdle. Many landlords are hesitant or outright refuse to accept Section 8 vouchers, which significantly limits our options for affordable housing.
It’s unfortunate to hear about these barriers. For renters in Aurora at large, since this is a topic that I’ve heard being brought up increasingly, how do you think mental health ties into those with a similar situation as yours, and have you faced any challenges in seeking support?
My mental health has definitely taken a toll. The stress and anxiety of potentially losing our home, along with the daily struggles of living paycheck to paycheck, can be overwhelming. I’ve sought counseling through a local community health center, but the resources are stretched thin, and it can take weeks to get an appointment. There’s also a bit of stigma around seeking help for mental health issues, which makes it harder to talk about.
And when searching for affordable housing in Aurora, what are some of the barriers you’ve come across?
The biggest barrier is the limited availability of affordable housing units. There’s a lot of competition for these units, and they often get snapped up quickly. Additionally, many of the affordable options are in less desirable neighborhoods with higher crime rates or poor access to public transportation and amenities. It’s a constant balancing act between affordability, safety, and location.
What do you think are the main reasons people in Aurora struggle to find affordable housing?
I believe it’s a combination of factors. Rising rent prices, stagnant wages, and the scarcity of affordable housing units all play a role. There’s also a lack of investment in affordable housing developments, which means the existing units are often old and in poor condition. Systemic issues, such as discrimination and income inequality, further exacerbate the problem.
How do you feel about the involvement of local government and services for homeless individuals in addressing these issues?
I think the local government is trying, but there’s still a lot that needs to be done. The services available to homeless individuals, like shelters and soup kitchens, are vital, but they’re often overwhelmed by the demand. I’ve used a food pantry a few times, and while it was a helpful resource, it’s clear that these services are stretched to their limits.
In your opinion, what more could be done to support individuals and families facing housing insecurity?
More investment in affordable housing is crucial. The local government could also offer incentives to landlords to accept housing assistance vouchers and invest in programs that provide legal and financial counseling to low-income renters. Additionally, expanding mental health services and making them more accessible would help address some of the root causes of housing insecurity.
Do you feel that the perspectives of lower-income individuals are adequately considered in discussions about housing policy?
Not really. It often feels like our voices are drowned out by those with more power and resources. There’s a need for greater inclusion of low-income individuals in policy-making processes to ensure that the policies address our needs and challenges effectively.
Have you been involved in any advocacy or grassroots efforts related to housing affordability?
Yes, I’ve attended city council meetings and participated in local housing advocacy groups. We’re trying to raise awareness of the issues and push for policy changes. It’s been challenging, but I believe that grassroots efforts can lead to meaningful change over time.
Looking ahead, what are your hopes for improving the situation of affordable housing in Aurora?
My hope is for a future where affordable housing is accessible to everyone who needs it, without the long waits and numerous barriers. I dream of a community where everyone, regardless of income, has a stable and safe place to call home. For that to happen, there needs to be a collective effort from the government, private sector, and community organizations to invest in affordable housing and support services.
Thank you, Marisa, for sharing your insights and experiences with us today. Your perspective is invaluable in understanding the challenges of affordable housing in Aurora.
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to share my story. I hope it helps shed light on the issues many of us are facing and sparks action to address them.
Aurora Housing Observer 
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