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.

  • 1/19/23 – June Long

    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…

    1/19/23 – June Long
  • 1/5/23 – Lucy Menendez

    Welcome. Today, we’re delving into an issue that’s become increasingly urgent in communities across the nation: the struggle for single parents to secure affordable housing. But before we explore the broader implications, I understand you have a personal story that brought these challenges into sharp focus for you. Could you share that with us? Thank…

    1/5/23 – Lucy Menendez
  • 12/22/22 – Romanda Harris

    Welcome, and thank you for joining us today. Our conversation will explore a critical issue that touches the lives of many: the challenge of aging in place within the context of affordable housing. Before we delve into broader discussions and solutions, could you share your personal story that highlights the significance of this issue? Thank…

    12/22/22 – Romanda Harris
  • 12/8/22 – Blair Pratt

    Welcome, and thank you for sharing your time and insights with us today. We’re here to discuss an often-overlooked aspect of the affordable housing crisis: the impact on college students and recent graduates. Before we dive into the broader issues, could you share with us how your personal experiences have shaped your understanding of this…

    12/8/22 – Blair Pratt
  • 11/24/22 – Herman Guerrero

    Welcome, and thank you for joining us to discuss a pressing issue that affects many across our nation: the intersection of affordable housing and mental health. To start, could you share with us your personal story and how it brought you to this intersection? Thank you for having me. My journey to understanding the deep…

    11/24/22 – Herman Guerrero
  • 11/10/22 – Abe Adebisi

    Welcome, and thank you for joining us today. We’re here to discuss a critical and pressing issue: the challenges faced by immigrants in securing affordable housing. To start, could you share with us your personal journey and how it brought you to this intersection? Thank you for having me. My journey with the challenges of…

    11/10/22 – Abe Adebisi
  • 10/20/22 – Carina Perez

    Welcome, and thank you for joining us to share your insights on an increasingly critical issue: the gentrification of neighborhoods and its impact on affordable housing. To begin, could you share your personal story and how it’s brought you to the heart of this discussion? Absolutely, and I appreciate the opportunity. My journey into the…

    10/20/22 – Carina Perez
  • 10/9/22 – Cheyenne Patricio

    Welcome, and thank you for joining us. Today, we’re delving into a critical and timely topic: the intersection of sustainable living and affordable housing in Aurora. Your personal journey and advocacy have become a beacon in this conversation. Could you share with us the genesis of your passion and how it has shaped your involvement…

    10/9/22 – Cheyenne Patricio
  • 9/21/22 – Josh Li

    Welcome, and thank you for joining us to share your insights on a topic that resonates deeply within Aurora: the revitalization of historic neighborhoods through affordable housing initiatives. Your personal journey and advocacy work have brought a unique perspective to this conversation. Could you start by sharing your story with us? Absolutely, and thank you…

    9/21/22 – Josh Li
  • 9/10/22 – Stella Lopez

    Welcome, and thank you for joining us to share your insights on a topic that resonates deeply within Aurora: the revitalization of historic neighborhoods through affordable housing initiatives. Your personal journey and advocacy work have brought a unique perspective to this conversation. Could you start by sharing your story with us? Absolutely, and thank you…

    9/10/22 – Stella Lopez