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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  • 4/27/23 – Miranda Rodriguez

    Welcome. Today, we delve into a story that reflects a broader social issue in Aurora: the struggle for single parents to balance work, childcare, and housing stability. Can you share your personal journey navigating these challenges? Thank you for having me. My journey as a single parent in Aurora has been filled with both hurdles…

    4/27/23 – Miranda Rodriguez
  • 4/20/23 – Peter Bailey

    Welcome, and thank you for joining us today to share your experience. We’re delving into a deeply personal and impactful narrative that highlights the struggles and resilience within our community, specifically focusing on the journey of addiction recovery and its intersection with housing instability. Could you begin by sharing your personal journey through addiction recovery…

    4/20/23 – Peter Bailey
  • 4/13/23 – Hal Lewinski

    Welcome. Today, we delve into an issue that touches the heart of our community in Aurora: the intersection of immigration, cultural integration, and affordable housing. Can you share your personal journey or a story close to you that illustrates these challenges? Thank you for having me. My journey begins with my family’s move to Aurora…

    4/13/23 – Hal Lewinski
  • 4/6/23 – Nick Porter

    Welcome, and thank you for joining us today. Our conversation explores a pressing concern that resonates across Aurora: the surge in homelessness among veterans and the critical role of affordable housing in addressing this issue. Could you share with us a personal story or observation that highlights the challenges veterans face in securing stable housing?…

    4/6/23 – Nick Porter
  • 3/30/23 – Whitney Stroud

    Welcome, and thank you for joining us today. Our conversation will explore a critical and poignant topic: the intersection of affordable housing and mental health. Mental health issues can exacerbate the struggle to secure and maintain stable housing, while housing instability can significantly impact mental well-being. Can you share a personal story or observation that…

    3/30/23 – Whitney Stroud
  • 3/23/23 – Jared May

    Welcome, and thank you for taking the time to share your insights with us today. Our focus is on the nuanced relationship between urban development, local small businesses, and affordable housing in Aurora. Can you share your personal or professional journey that highlights the interplay of these elements? Thank you for having me. My journey…

    3/23/23 – Jared May
  • 3/16/23 – Katie Ramos

    Welcome, and thank you for joining us today. Our conversation explores the unique challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community in accessing affordable housing, an issue of growing concern in many cities, including Aurora. Could you begin by sharing your personal journey or a story close to you that sheds light on these challenges? Thank you…

    3/16/23 – Katie Ramos
  • 3/9/23 – Alyssa Aguilar

    Welcome. Today, we’re delving into a story that, while deeply personal, mirrors a broader societal issue—affordable housing and its undeniable impact on educational opportunities for children. Let’s start with your story. Can you share how your personal experiences have brought these issues to light? Thank you for having me. My journey into the complexities of…

    3/9/23 – Alyssa Aguilar
  • 2/16/23 – Aaron Garcia

    Welcome. Today, we’re discussing a topic that resonates with many in our community: the balance between revitalizing historic neighborhoods and maintaining affordable housing within them. But before we dive into this broader issue, could you share your personal connection to this topic and how it has shaped your perspective? Thank you for having me. My…

    2/16/23 – Aaron Garcia
  • 2/2/23 – Nia Ramirez

    Welcome, and thank you for joining us today. Our discussion centers on a critical aspect of urban living that affects many individuals and families: the challenge of securing affordable housing in the face of a rapidly changing job market. Before we delve into the broader implications, could you share with us your personal journey and…

    2/2/23 – Nia Ramirez