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.

2021

  • 12/16/21 – Melissa Murphy

    Welcome, and thank you for joining us today. Our discussion centers on a critical yet often underexplored aspect of affordable housing in Aurora: the integration of mental health support services. Can you share with us your personal story and how it led you to champion this cause? Thank you for having me. My journey to…

    12/16/21 – Melissa Murphy
  • 11/14/21 – Herman Correa

    Welcome, and thank you for joining us to discuss the increasingly pressing issue of maintaining cultural heritage amidst the affordable housing crisis in Aurora. Your personal journey has become a notable story in this conversation. Could you share how your experiences have brought you to advocate for this cause? Thank you for having me. My…

    11/14/21 – Herman Correa
  • 10/13/21 – Lorraine Craft

    Welcome. Today, we delve into a unique aspect of affordable housing in Aurora: the integration of green spaces and community gardens. Your personal journey has brought significant attention to this cause. Could you share how your experiences have shaped your advocacy? Thank you for having me. My path to advocating for green spaces within affordable…

    10/13/21 – Lorraine Craft
  • 9/16/21 – Harry Brunson

    Thank you for joining us to discuss an often overlooked yet crucial aspect of the affordable housing crisis in Aurora: the need for accessible housing for families with disabled members. Your personal journey has brought significant attention to this issue. Could you start by sharing your story with us? Thank you for having me. My…

    9/16/21 – Harry Brunson
  • 8/20/21 – Matthew Ortiz

    Welcome, and thank you for sharing your time with us today. We’re here to delve into a pressing issue: the journey of young professionals in Aurora navigating the affordable housing landscape. Can you start by sharing your personal story and how it brought you to advocate for this specific community? Absolutely, and I appreciate the…

    8/20/21 – Matthew Ortiz
  • 7/18/21 – Valeria Rodriguez

    Welcome. Our focus today is on a deeply personal yet widely impactful issue in Aurora: the affordable housing crisis as it pertains to the immigrant community. Can you share with us your personal journey that has brought this issue to the forefront for you? Thank you for this opportunity. My journey with affordable housing in…

    7/18/21 – Valeria Rodriguez
  • 6/15/21 – Josef Barrea

    Welcome, Josef, and thank you again for joining us today. Our conversation centers on a vital yet often overlooked aspect of affordable housing in Aurora: the integration of public transportation to enhance accessibility and affordability. Could you begin by sharing your personal story and how it led you to focus on this intersection? Thank you…

    6/15/21 – Josef Barrea
  • 5/23/21 – Thomas Acosta

    Welcome, Thomas. The pandemic has been a period of unprecedented challenges but also of learning and growth for many, including those in the realm of affordable housing in Aurora. Your journey, from managing a small business through the crisis to becoming a vocal advocate for affordable housing solutions, provides a unique perspective. Could you share…

    5/23/21 – Thomas Acosta
  • 4/17/21 – Victor Mendez

    Welcome. Today, we’re delving into an issue of critical importance in Aurora: the challenge of affordable housing for seniors. To start, could you share your personal story and how it led you to advocate for this cause? Thank you for having me. My journey into the realm of affordable housing for seniors in Aurora began…

    4/17/21 – Victor Mendez
  • 3/18/21 – Sarah Wilson

    Welcome, and thank you for joining us today. We’re here to discuss a topic that resonates deeply within Aurora: the impact of environmental sustainability on affordable housing. To begin, can you share your personal story and how it led you to advocate for sustainable, affordable housing in Aurora? Thank you for having me. My journey…

    3/18/21 – Sarah Wilson