Aurora Housing Observer

2024

2023

2022

2021

2020

My name’s Pranet Swain. I regularly try to interview local residents with personal perspectives on Aurora’s housing shortage that are usually hard to thoughtfully share through our crowded town hall meetings. I regularly meet interviewees while sitting in on local town hall meetings, volunteering at local homeless shelters, as well as through email request. While I usually stick to publishing interviews with those currently at risk of eviction or homelessness, the publication does include some conversations with those with different perspectives on the crisis. As a disclaimer, all conversations are condensed for clarity and some names have been altered for privacy upon request.

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  • 12/15/20 – Alex Joseph

    Welcome, Alex. The journey from youth homelessness to securing stable, affordable housing is fraught with challenges, more so during a pandemic that has upended lives and economies. Your story offers a critical lens into this experience in Aurora. Could you start by sharing what led you to become an advocate for affordable housing for young…

    12/15/20 – Alex Joseph
  • 11/13/20 – Maria Barrera

    Welcome, Maria. Your journey during the COVID-19 pandemic has shed light on the unique challenges faced by immigrants in Aurora seeking affordable housing. Can you share your experience and how it led you to become an advocate for your community? Thank you for having me. My story is one of many in our community, where…

    11/13/20 – Maria Barrera
  • 10/20/20 – Terrence Bernard

    Welcome. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought to light many systemic issues, with affordable housing being a critical concern. Your unique position as a healthcare worker in Aurora has given you firsthand insight into these challenges. Can you share your journey and how it led you to become an advocate for affordable housing for essential workers?…

    10/20/20 – Terrence Bernard
  • 9/14/20 – Maxine Aguero

    Welcome. As we continue to navigate the challenges and changes brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, stories of resilience and innovation have emerged, particularly in the realm of affordable housing in Aurora. Your journey from a tech entrepreneur to a pivotal figure in the housing community is both unique and inspiring. Could you share the…

    9/14/20 – Maxine Aguero
  • 8/18/20 – Sergio Homa

    Welcome, and thank you for sharing your experience and advocacy work with us today. The COVID-19 pandemic has posed significant challenges across communities, with homeless veterans in Aurora facing particularly acute struggles. Your personal journey from being a homeless veteran to becoming an advocate for veterans’ housing solutions is both inspiring and illuminating. Could you…

    8/18/20 – Sergio Homa
  • 7/15/20 – Max Riviera

    Welcome, and thank you for sharing your journey with us today. The pandemic has underscored numerous societal challenges, particularly in the realm of affordable housing in Aurora. Your story of navigating these challenges, especially the aspect of digital inclusion, offers a poignant insight into the complexities faced by many. Could you begin by sharing your…

    7/15/20 – Max Riviera
  • 6/20/20 – Beatrice Little

    Welcome. Today, we delve into a chapter of Aurora’s affordable housing story that’s both inspired by and set against the backdrop of the later stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. Your personal journey and leadership have sparked a significant shift towards community-led solutions. Could you share with us the genesis of this movement and your role…

    6/20/20 – Beatrice Little
  • 5/16/20 – Daniel Jota

    Welcome, and thank you for sharing your story with us today. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought unprecedented challenges to communities worldwide, particularly in the realm of housing. Your personal journey and advocacy during this time have highlighted the critical issue of affordable housing in Aurora. Could you start by telling us about your experience? Absolutely,…

    5/16/20 – Daniel Jota