5/23 – Lisa Perez

Lisa Perez, a resilient mother of two, embodies the struggles faced by countless residents as they navigate the complex web of job loss, eviction, and the search for affordable housing. With her family’s journey marked by abrupt changes and mounting stress, Lisa’s story offers a poignant look into the daily battles that define life for those teetering on the edge of financial stability. This week, Lisa sat down to share her deeply personal account of perseverance and hope amidst the housing crisis, shedding light on the urgent need for systemic change in communities like Aurora.

Can you start by telling me a bit about your background and how you came to live in Aurora?

Sure, I’d be happy to. I was born and raised in Chicago, but it got too expensive for my family and me. My husband, Miguel, and I moved to Aurora about ten years ago because we heard it was more affordable and had good schools for our kids. At first, it was great. We found a nice three-bedroom apartment that fit our budget, and the neighborhood seemed safe.

That sounds like a good start. What changed?

Well, things started to get tough about five years ago. My husband lost his job at a manufacturing plant that shut down, and we were suddenly trying to make ends meet on my salary alone. I work as a cashier at a grocery store, but it’s just not enough to cover all our bills, especially the rent. We fell behind, and before we knew it, we were facing eviction.

Eviction can be incredibly destabilizing. How did it affect your family?

It was devastating. We had to move out quickly, and we couldn’t take all our things. Our kids, Carlos and Sofia, had to switch schools in the middle of the year, which was really hard on them. Sofia was doing well in her old school, but she struggled to adjust to the new one. Carlos got into trouble a few times because he didn’t know anyone and felt isolated.

I’m sorry to hear that. Did you find any support from local services or community organizations?

We tried. There are some organizations in Aurora that help with rent and utilities, but the demand is so high. We went to a few different places, but they all had waiting lists. We eventually got a little help from a church, but it wasn’t enough to keep us from moving to a cheaper, less safe neighborhood.

How has moving to a less safe neighborhood impacted your family’s daily life?

It’s been tough. The kids can’t play outside like they used to. There are more fights and police sirens at night, which scares them. We’re all more stressed, and it’s affecting our health. I’ve noticed Miguel is more withdrawn and depressed. We’ve both had trouble sleeping, and it’s just a constant worry about what’s going to happen next.

That sounds really difficult. How have these stressors affected your ability to work and support your family?

Because of the stress and lack of sleep, I’ve had to take more sick days, which means less pay. It’s harder to stay focused and positive at work, and I’m always worried about losing my job. Miguel is doing odd jobs here and there, but it’s not steady. We’re always on edge, wondering how we’ll pay the next bill.

Have you noticed any changes in the community over the past few years?

Yes, definitely. There are more vacant houses and apartments now. A lot of people are in the same boat as us, struggling to keep up with rent. The sense of community we once felt is fading. People are moving in and out all the time, so it’s hard to build relationships. It feels like everyone is just trying to survive.

With all these challenges, have you thought about moving somewhere else, or do you see Aurora as home despite everything?

We’ve thought about it, but where would we go? Everywhere is getting more expensive. Aurora is still home because it’s where we’ve built our lives, but it’s hard to see a future here. We want better for our kids, but we don’t have the means to just pack up and leave.

What do you think needs to change to make Aurora, and places like it, better for families like yours?

We need more affordable housing, plain and simple. There should be more support for people who fall behind on rent to prevent evictions. Also, better job opportunities and training programs would help. If people could get better jobs, they could afford their homes. And the schools need more resources to help kids who have to move frequently because of housing instability.

It sounds like a lot needs to be done on multiple fronts. Do you see any hope for change?

I want to believe there’s hope. There are a lot of good people trying to make a difference, and I see some signs of progress. But it’s slow, and sometimes it feels like we’re being left behind. We need more attention on these issues and real action, not just talk.

If you could send a message to policymakers or community leaders, what would it be?

I’d tell them to come and see what’s really happening. Spend a day in our shoes, see the stress and the fear we live with every day. Understand that this isn’t just about numbers and policies; it’s about real people’s lives. We need empathy and action. Help us keep our homes and build a better future for our children.

Thank you so much for sharing your story, Lisa. Your strength and resilience are truly inspiring. I hope things improve for you and your family soon.

Thank you. I appreciate you listening and giving me a chance to share what we’re going through. I hope it helps make a difference.