New Affordable Housing Plan
A new collaborative project is set to transform a former school building in Aurora into a place for community support and affordable housing for vulnerable populations. The initiative is, spearheaded by The Association for Individual Development (AID), The Neighbor Project, and Hesed House.
The group recently received $3,000,000 in community project funding from the federal government to help in the purchase and renovation the vacant building at 550 2nd Avenue in Aurora.
The project proposes the creation of 20 independent apartment units, with 10 units located within the renovated school building, and 10 new construction units built on part of the existing parking lot. The units will assist individuals and families exiting homelessness, at risk of homelessness, or living with chronic disabilities. Each apartment will be designed to be accessible to all residents, ensuring inclusivity and equal access.
The partners involved in the project bring unique expertise and resources to the table. AID provides a range of supportive services, including mental health services and job placement assistance. The Neighbor Project offers a pathway to homeownership program, complemented by financial empowerment coaching provided in partnership with the City of Aurora. Hesed House contributes referral, placement, and case management services for formerly homeless individuals.
“The team approach to this project shows the shared commitment of the organizations involved to address the local affordable housing crisis," said Rick Guzman, Executive Director, The Neighbor Project. “By combining our resources and expertise, we hope to build on a model of affordable housing that not only provides immediate support to at risk populations but also empowers residents to achieve long-term financial stability and independence, while saving millions of taxpayer dollars."
The project is currently in the planning and approval stages, with hopes to start constructionl later this year and complete the development by the end of 2025 or early 2026.
* THE ASSOCIATION FOR INDIVIDUAL DEVELOPMENT (AID): provides a variety of supportive services from outpatient or residential mental health services to job placement services;
* THE NEIGHBOR PROJECT: brings its unique/affordable pathway to homeownership program along with its partnership with the City of Aurora to offer Financial Empowerment coaching to residents.
* HESED HOUSE: Referral, Placement & Case-Management Services for formerly homeless persons;
