Aurora, like many rust belt cities, was hit hard in the 70s by the migration of manufacturing jobs to offshore factories and it is a big element in the city’s current housing shortage. One resident with a unique perspective on the connection is James Reynolds, a man whose life was upended by the closure of a local factory. James, now in his late forties, reflects on his experiences in Aurora, the impact of job loss and eviction on his family, and his eventual decision to leave the city in search of a more stable future. This is his story.
Thank you for agreeing to speak with me today, James. Can you start by telling me a bit about your background and your time living in Aurora?
Of course. I was born in Aurora and lived there most of my life. My family moved there when I was a kid. My father worked at a local factory, and my mom was a schoolteacher. It was a good place to grow up back then. I got married and started my own family there. For a long time, things were stable, but then the factory where I worked shut down, and that’s when everything started to unravel.
That must have been a challenging time. How did the factory closure impact you and your family?
It was devastating. I worked there for over twenty years, so losing that job meant losing our primary source of income and health insurance. I tried to find another job, but the market was tough. The jobs that were available didn’t pay nearly as much, and many didn’t offer benefits. We burned through our savings pretty quickly, trying to keep up with mortgage payments and other bills.
Did you seek any assistance from local services or community organizations during this time?
We did. We reached out to several organizations for help with food, utilities, and even tried to get assistance with our mortgage. We got some help, but it was never enough to cover everything. The mortgage company wasn’t willing to work with us on a modification or anything. Eventually, we lost the house.
Losing your home is incredibly tough. How did your family cope with this change?
It was one of the hardest things we’ve ever been through. We moved into a smaller apartment, but even that was a struggle to afford. My wife, Karen, took on a second job, and I did odd jobs whenever I could find them. Our kids were affected the most, I think. They had to change schools and lost their sense of stability. It was hard on their grades and their social lives.
That sounds really challenging. How did this affect your relationships within the family?
It put a lot of strain on us. Karen and I argued more than ever. We were both so stressed and worried all the time. The kids started acting out too. It felt like everything was falling apart. We tried to stay strong for them, but it was hard when we didn’t know how we were going to make it through each month.
How did your situation evolve from there? Did you find any long-term solutions?
Eventually, we realized we couldn’t keep living like that. We decided to leave Aurora. It was a tough decision because it was home, but we needed a fresh start. We moved to a smaller town where the cost of living was lower, and we could start over. I found a job in construction, and Karen found work at a local diner. It’s been a slow climb back, but we’re getting there.
How did your move affect your family’s well-being and outlook?
The move was the best decision we made. The kids adjusted to their new schools better than we expected, and they’ve made new friends. Karen and I are in a better place now too. It’s still not easy, but we don’t have that constant fear of losing our home hanging over us. We’ve been able to save a little money and are slowly rebuilding our lives.
Looking back, what do you think could have been done differently to help families like yours in Aurora?
There needs to be more support for families facing job loss. When the factory closed, there should have been programs to help us transition to new jobs, maybe retraining programs or more substantial unemployment benefits. Also, more affordable housing options would have helped. It’s nearly impossible to get back on your feet when you’re spending almost everything you earn just to keep a roof over your head.
Have you stayed in touch with anyone from Aurora or kept up with how the community is doing?
We still have family and friends there, and we visit when we can. It’s tough to see how many people are still struggling. Some have found their footing, but many are in the same situation we were in. The town is trying, but there’s only so much that can be done without more resources.
What advice would you give to someone who is currently going through what you went through in Aurora?
Don’t be afraid to ask for help, but also, don’t wait too long to make tough decisions. We tried to hang on to our house for too long, which just put us deeper in debt. Sometimes, starting over in a new place can be the best option. It’s hard, but it can lead to better opportunities. And keep talking to your family. The stress can pull you apart, but staying connected and supporting each other is crucial.
Looking forward, what are your hopes for the future, both for your family and for communities like Aurora?
For my family, I hope we can continue to build a stable life and give our kids the opportunities they deserve. For communities like Aurora, I hope there can be more investment in job creation and affordable housing. People need a fair shot at building a good life. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that stability starts with having a secure place to live and a decent job.
Thank you so much for sharing your story, James. Your experiences and insights are invaluable, and I hope they can help drive change for others in similar situations.
Thank you for listening. If my story can help even one person or bring attention to these issues, it’s worth it.
Aurora Housing Observer 
Leave a comment