This is Henry’s first appearance on the AHO. After meeting at the January 9 City Council meeting, we got a chance to sit down and talk about his unique experience with finding affordable housing in Aurora.
This talk has been condensed for clarity.
Good morning, and thank you for joining us today. To start off, could you tell us about your current living situation in Aurora and how you’ve been impacted by the housing market?
Good morning, and thank you for having me. Currently, I’m living in a shared housing situation with two other families. We’re all crammed into a three-bedroom house because it’s the only arrangement we can afford. The housing market in Aurora has been brutal for us. Rent prices have skyrocketed, and despite working two jobs, I’m struggling to make ends meet. It feels like the dream of having a place of my own is slipping further and further away.
That sounds incredibly challenging. With such a crowded living situation, how has this affected your family’s day-to-day life?
It’s been tough, to say the least. Privacy is non-existent, and managing daily routines is a constant struggle. My kids have a hard time finding quiet spaces to do their homework, and we all have to work around each other’s schedules. It’s stressful and not ideal for anyone’s mental health or well-being.
I can only imagine how difficult that must be. Have you sought any housing assistance or support from local programs in Aurora?
Yes, I’ve applied for several housing assistance programs, but the waiting lists are incredibly long. It seems like there are so many people in need and not enough resources to go around. I’ve also reached out to local nonprofits for support, and while they’ve been helpful with some immediate needs like food and clothing, the housing issue remains unresolved.
With the housing crisis being such a prevalent issue, was there any discussion or proposed solutions at the recent city hall meeting that might offer some relief for your situation?
At the latest city hall meeting, there was a lot of discussion about the need to expand affordable housing options in Aurora. The council proposed several new projects and funding initiatives aimed at increasing the availability of low-cost housing units. They also talked about implementing more tenant protection laws to prevent unfair evictions and rent hikes. While these proposals give me a bit of hope, I’m anxious to see how quickly they can be put into action. The situation for many of us is urgent.
It’s good to hear there are potential solutions on the horizon. In the meantime, how are you and others in similar situations coping with these challenges?
We rely heavily on each other and the community. There’s a network of families and individuals in Aurora facing similar challenges, and we’ve come together to support one another. Whether it’s sharing resources, information about assistance programs, or just being there to listen and offer moral support, the sense of community has been a lifeline. Additionally, some of us have started attending local workshops on financial literacy and tenants’ rights, trying to empower ourselves with knowledge and tools to navigate this crisis.
That community support sounds invaluable. Have you been involved in any advocacy work or efforts to bring more attention to the housing issues in Aurora?
Yes, actually. Being directly affected by the housing crisis has motivated me to get involved in advocacy. I’ve participated in local rallies and spoken at public forums, sharing my story and those of others in my situation. We’re trying to raise awareness and push for quicker, more effective action from both the local government and private developers to address the lack of affordable housing. It’s been empowering to stand up and make our voices heard.
Your activism is inspiring. Looking towards the future, what changes or solutions do you hope to see implemented to alleviate the housing crisis in Aurora?
I hope to see a significant increase in the construction of affordable housing units, with a focus on sustainability and accessibility for all income levels. Additionally, I’d like to see stronger tenant protection laws to prevent exploitative rent increases and evictions. Long-term, there needs to be a comprehensive plan that addresses the root causes of the housing crisis, including wage stagnation and the need for more family-supporting jobs. Ultimately, I believe everyone deserves a safe and affordable place to call home.
And finally, what message would you like to send to policymakers and the broader community about the urgency of addressing the housing crisis?
My message is simple: The time to act is now. Every day we delay, more families are put at risk of homelessness or forced into untenable living situations. We need bold, decisive action that goes beyond temporary fixes to create a long-term, sustainable solution. Housing should be a right, not a privilege, and it’s imperative that we come together as a community to ensure that no one is left behind.
Thank you so much for sharing your experiences and insights with us today. Your strength and dedication to advocating for change are truly commendable. Let’s hope your message resonates and leads to meaningful progress in addressing the housing crisis in Aurora.
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to speak out. It’s only through collective effort and understanding that we can hope to overcome these challenges. Here’s to a future where everyone in Aurora has a stable and affordable place to live.
Aurora Housing Observer 
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