2024

On a humid June afternoon in Aurora, Illinois, I sat down with Laura Simmons, a lifelong resident of the city and a single mother of two. Laura has faced numerous challenges related to housing stability over the past decade. Her story sheds light on the lesser-discussed yet crucial aspect of affordable housing: the struggles of…

This week, I got a chance to sit down with Rosa Martinez, a dedicated mother whose battle to provide a stable home for her daughter Maria, who suffers from severe asthma. Our conversation highlighted the critical link between health and housing stability and Rosa’s story sheds light on the often overlooked but deeply interconnected issues…

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…

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…

This week, I sat down with Brielle Hernandez, a resilient woman in her late sixties who has seen more than her fair share of life’s hardships. Brielle’s story is one of struggle and redemption, having battled both homelessness and addiction. Her journey through these adversities offers a poignant glimpse into the challenges faced by many…

Thomas Thoreau, 38, a resident of Aurora, Illinois, has experienced firsthand the intertwining challenges of eviction and job loss. Once a steady employee at a local retail store, Tom’s life spiraled when the store closed down two years ago, thrusting him into financial instability and leading to a subsequent eviction. This interview was conducted on…

Matt Rover, 45, has been an Aurora, Illinois resident his whole life. A former factory worker, Matt’s life took a drastic turn six years ago following a workplace accident that left him wheelchair-bound. Since then, he has faced not just the challenges of adapting to life with a disability, but also the ongoing battle of…

Today, we sit down with Mia, a resident of Aurora, Illinois, who has faced numerous challenges related to affordable housing. As a single mother of three, Mia’s journey through the landscape of eviction, substandard housing conditions, and the fight for tenant rights illuminates the broader systemic issues plaguing many Americans today. This conversation delves into…

Today, we sit down with Michael Thompson, a 34-year-old resident who has spent several years battling the cycles of homelessness and job insecurity. Michael’s story is not just one of personal struggle but also reflects broader systemic issues that affect countless individuals in similar situations across the nation. Our conversation delves into the complexities of…

In this week’s discussion, we delve into the life of James, a resident of Aurora, Illinois, who has been profoundly impacted by the challenges of navigating the healthcare system while grappling with the complexities of affordable housing. A veteran with a disability, James’s experiences highlight the intersection between stable housing and access to adequate healthcare,…