Newsroom
Media Contact
Linda Jaster
720 .251 .2067ljaster@aurorahousing.org
AHA WINS HONORABLE MENTION IN COLORADO NAHRO POSTER CONTEST
Under the guidance of Family Community Builder, Belinda Woodall, children from First Avenue Apts, Plaza Townhomes at Macon and Moline, and Kimberly Apts competed in a state wide poster contest held by the Colorado Chapter of the National Association for Housing and Redevelopment Officials. All of the entries colorfully illustrated the theme, "What Home Means to Me" and we are very proud of the winners chosen by CoNAHRO. Congratulations to Sofia, Kahari, and Daynesha!
Sofia Armeta, Elementary School Honorable Mention
Kahari Gordon, Middle School Honorable Mention
Daynesha Keys, Middle School Honorable Mention
NEW AURORA HOUSING DEVELOPMENT TO SERVE SENIORS AND DISABLED
NEWS RELEASE
FOR RELEASE: Tuesday, August 16, 2011
CONTACT: Buckingham Gardens 720-251-2069
NEW AURORA HOUSING DEVELOPMENT TO SERVE SENIORS AND DISABLED
The Aurora Housing Authority is pleased to announce that it has closed on the construction and permanent financing for the first phase of its new “Village at Westerly Creek”. Commencing immediately, the redevelopment of the Aurora Housing Authority’s project will start with the demolition of ten obsolescent townhomes on East Kentucky Avenue, just east of Havana Street. Once the demolition is complete, construction of the new building will commence. The construction will be handled by Shaw Builders LLC, and is expected to start on September 1, 2011. EJ Architecture PLLC is the architect of record.
The first phase will be comprised of 55 units of independent living for seniors and disabled in a modern three-story building. The one- and two-bedroom units will be spacious with average sizes of 762 and 1027 square feet, respectively. Each unit will have a patio/balcony, Energy-Star appliances, kitchen pantry, and ‘green’ construction materials to create healthy living environments.
The building will have a large array of solar panels on the roof of the “U” shaped building to provide for energy efficient electrical usage. There will be a large community room (able to seat 120), salon/barber shop, on-site leasing and maintenance, laundry rooms, library, and exercise room. The building will have a secured access system, large landscaped areas, and a large community garden. Additionally, the building is fully ADA/handicap accessible to allow its future residents to remain independent for as long as possible.
The Village at Westerly Creek is designed to replace the Aurora Housing Authority’s public housing development known as Buckingham Gardens. The existing units, built in 1979, are functionally, physically, and economically obsolescent.
“The new building will allow a safe, secure, and sustainable environment for our residents, and provide a great asset to the Aurora community. The design and amenities of the Village at Westerly Creek will rival market-based housing, and provide the City’s most vulnerable populations with an enviable place to call ‘home’ ”, said Craig Maraschky, the Executive Director of the Aurora Housing Authority.
The total development cost of $13 million is financed through a complex combination of private and public sources. Construction and permanent financing for the project is from Bank Of The West. An allocation of Low Income Housing Tax Credits enabled Enterprise Community Investment to participate as private equity investor of over 50% of the cost. Significant grants of federal HOME Investment Partnership funds were received from the State of Colorado, the City of Aurora, and Arapahoe County. The development received tremendous support from City of Aurora elected officials and staff, and the City provided fee waivers for the development. The Aurora Housing Corporation also provided development funds, and the Aurora Housing Authority provided gap financing.
AHA awarded 50 Family Unification Program (FUP) Vouchers
The Your Hub- Aurora section of the Denver Post recently published an article about the funding AHA received to administer the Family Unification Program (FUP) Vouchers. AHA would like to recognize Director of Family Services, Melinda Townsend and Director of Assisted Housing, Penny VanderWall for doing an outstanding job with the lengthy and competitive application process.
Vouchers to help Aurora kids, young adults find housing
Joey Kirchmer
The Aurora Housing Authority was recently approved for $433,890 in grants from the HUD Family Unification Program
A new round of federal grants will soon benefit children of low-income families and foster kids making their way into the world.
The Aurora Housing Authority was recently approved for $433,890 in grants from the HUD Family Unification Program. The vouchers will serve two distinct populations: children of families who lack adequate housing and young adults who have recently left foster care and are in danger of becoming homeless.
The housing authority is working with Arapahoe County Human Services to identify 50 families who will receive assistance from the program, said Craig Maraschky, executive director of the Aurora Housing Authority. Funding will be distributed beginning next month, he said.
“It’s vital that we try to keep our families intact and our youth in safe, affordable housing,” Maraschky said. “It’s much less expensive to provide the housing assistance than to pay for foster care and the problems that homelessness creates for youth.”
Officials say the HUD program saves money in the long run by avoiding “undesirable” outcomes — homelessness, incarceration and residential treatment. In Aurora, the grants are estimated to save approximately $2.8 million a year on family and youth services, Maraschky said.
Voucher funds will be distributed annually, pending approval from Congress, he said. The program is similar to HUD’s Housing Choice Vouchers — commonly known as Section 8 — where families pay up to 30 percent of their income for rent and the rest is subsidized.
“I think this will help offer that transition for youth coming out of foster care,” Maraschky said. “It’s also aimed at bringing the family back together in cases where the kids have been taken out of the home.”
Aurora Housing Authority wins 2011 CoNAHRO Administrative Innovation Award
Aurora Housing Authority is delighted to announce that the Utility Allowance, Pre-Paid Debit Card(ReliaCard®) program has been awarded the Administrative Innovation Award from the Colorado Chapter of National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (CoNAHRO). Housing Specialist, Tameka King, spearheaded the implementation of the program in 2010 and AHA has had huge success with it thus far.
In previous years, the Aurora Housing Authority experienced fraud and theft regarding utility allowance reimbursement checks. Bank information was stolen from checks and used in acts of theft from AHA’s bank account. AHA attempted to use the direct deposit system similar for landlord HAP payments, however participants were resistant to establishing bank accounts.
At Ms. King’s suggestion, in 2010 AHA implemented a new and innovative method to issue utility allowance reimbursement payments to eligible program participants. Participants now receive their utility reimbursement payments electronically via the U.S. Bank ReliaCard®. The U.S. Bank ReliaCard is not a credit card; it is a Visa® pre-paid debit card. Assistance payments are automatically deposited to the card. No bank accounts or credit checks are required. Purchases and cash withdrawals are deducted from the available balance. It is like any other Visa debit card, it can be used anywhere Visa is accepted.
The ReliaCard system is:
- Fast: funds are available immediately via electronic transmission; a physical check is not required.
- Hassle Free: Participants don’t have to worry about check cashing fees or making an extra trip to pickup, cash or deposit the check.
- Safe: Unlike cash or checks, the ReliaCard can be replaced if lost or stolen; and its value restored. Funds are also FDIC insured.
- Easy: Participants may pay utility bills, make purchases in stores and/or online or pay bills; there is no cost to enroll; there is no fee to use a U.S. Bank ATM.
- Reliable: Check fraud is eliminated.
The ReliaCard system has been a huge success at AHA and it has proven to be efficient, economical and theft free. The Assisted Housing Department has done an outstanding job with the planning and implementation of the program and are deserving of special recognition for their achievement.
AURORA HOUSING AUTHORITY RECEIVES AWARD
OF FEDERAL TAX CREDITS TO BUILD
“VILLAGE AT WESTERLY CREEK” 55-UNIT SENIOR DEVELOPMENT
Image by Odell Architects
Aurora, CO-- On August 25th, the Aurora Housing Authority (AHA) was awarded an allocation of Low Income Housing Tax Credits from the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority to be used to build the first phase of the “Village at Westerly Creek”, consisting of a 55-unit affordable development for seniors.
The new building will replace the outdated and physically obsolescent “Buckingham Gardens” public housing development owned by AHA. The existing Buckingham Gardens was built in the early 1970’s, and lacks significantly in amenities and safety features necessary for seniors. The Village at Westerly Creek, to be developed in two phases, will have a large community room with attached kitchen and pantry, exercise rooms, beauty salon, community gardens, on-site leasing and management offices, secured building entry, “snow-melt” walkways, and office space for visiting health professionals. The proposed project also offers “green” features;
including rooftop photovoltaic panels to offset energy used in common areas, and high efficiency HVAC.
Click here for more in our Newsroom
PUBLIC NOTICE OF INTENT TO REVISE ACOP & ANNUAL PLAN
Please be advised that the Aurora Housing Authority is posting for public comment the proposed revisions of the Public Housing “Admissions and Continued Occupancy Policy.” This plan establishes policy for administering Public Housing assistance in a manner consistent with Department of Housing and Urban Development requirements and local objectives.
The following is a list of the Chapters affected by the proposed revisions:
Chapter 5: Occupancy Guidelines
The Annual Plan provides details about AHA’s strategy for handling operational concerns, residents’ concerns and needs, programs, and services for the upcoming 2012 year period. Prior to submittal, we invite all interested persons to review the plan. The proposed changes are available for inspection during regular working hours at the following location:
Aurora Housing Authority
Administrative Offices
10745 E. Kentucky Avenue
Aurora, Colorado 80012
The public comment period will be open until December 8, 2011. Comments may be submitted to the above address in writing through this date. A public hearing is scheduled for December 8th at 9:00 AM at the AHA Office to receive public comment on the plan. If special accommodations are needed for persons attending the public hearing, please let us know in advance at 720-251-2100 or via Relay Colorado at
7-1-1.
All comments will be reviewed and considered prior to implementing the proposed revisions.
PUBLIC HOUSING ANNUAL PLAN NOTICE
The Aurora Housing Authority (AHA) will submit its Annual 2012 Plan to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development on October 18th, 2011. The Annual Plan provides details about AHA’s strategy for handling operational concerns, residents’ concerns and needs, programs, and services for the upcoming 2011 year period. Prior to submittal, we invite all interested persons to review the plan.
The Plan will be available for inspection during normal office hours at the main office of the Aurora Housing Authority, 10745 E. Kentucky Ave., Aurora, Colorado, 80012.
Written comments should be directed to Ms. Linda Jaster.
A public hearing is scheduled for October 7th at 9:00 AM at the AHA Office to receive public comment on the plan. If special accommodations are needed for persons attending the public hearing, please let us know in advance at 720-251-2100 or via Relay Colorado at 7-1-1.
NEW AURORA HOUSING DEVELOPMENT TO SERVE SENIORS AND DISABLED
NEWS RELEASE
FOR RELEASE: Tuesday, August 16, 2011
CONTACT: Craig Maraschky 720-251-2077 cmaraschky@aurorahousing.org
The Aurora Housing Authority is pleased to announce that it has closed on the construction and permanent financing for the first phase of its new “Village at Westerly Creek”. Commencing immediately, the redevelopment of the Aurora Housing Authority’s project will start with the demolition of ten obsolescent townhomes on East Kentucky Avenue, just east of Havana Street. Once the demolition is complete, construction of the new building will commence. The construction will be handled by Shaw Builders LLC, and is expected to start on September 1, 2011. EJ Architecture PLLC is the architect of record.
The first phase will be comprised of 55 units of independent living for seniors and disabled in a modern three-story building. The one- and two-bedroom units will be spacious with average sizes of 762 and 1027 square feet, respectively. Each unit will have a patio/balcony, Energy-Star appliances, kitchen pantry, and ‘green’ construction materials to create healthy living environments.
The building will have a large array of solar panels on the roof of the “U” shaped building to provide for energy efficient electrical usage. There will be a large community room (able to seat 120), salon/barber shop, on-site leasing and maintenance, laundry rooms, library, and exercise room. The building will have a secured access system, large landscaped areas, and a large community garden. Additionally, the building is fully ADA/handicap accessible to allow its future residents to remain independent for as long as possible.
The Village at Westerly Creek is designed to replace the Aurora Housing Authority’s public housing development known as Buckingham Gardens. The existing units, built in 1979, are functionally, physically, and economically obsolescent.
“The new building will allow a safe, secure, and sustainable environment for our residents, and provide a great asset to the Aurora community. The design and amenities of the Village at Westerly Creek will rival market-based housing, and provide the City’s most vulnerable populations with an enviable place to call ‘home’ ”, said Craig Maraschky, the Executive Director of the Aurora Housing Authority.
The total development cost of $13 million is financed through a complex combination of private and public sources. Construction and permanent financing for the project is from Bank Of The West. An allocation of Low Income Housing Tax Credits enabled Enterprise Community Investment to participate as private equity investor of over 50% of the cost. Significant grants of federal HOME Investment Partnership funds were received from the State of Colorado, the City of Aurora, and Arapahoe County. The development received tremendous support from City of Aurora elected officials and staff, and the City provided fee waivers for the development. The Aurora Housing Corporation also provided development funds, and the Aurora Housing Authority provided gap financing.
PUBLIC HOUSING ANNUAL PLAN NOTICE
The Aurora Housing Authority (AHA) will submit its Annual 2011 Plan to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development on October 15th, 2010. The Annual Plan provides details about AHA’s strategy for handling operational concerns, residents’ concerns and needs, programs, and services for the upcoming 2011 year period. Prior to submittal, we invite all interested persons to review the plan.
The Plan is available for inspection during normal office hours at the main office of the Aurora Housing Authority at 10745 E. Kentucky Avenue, Aurora, Colorado, 80012.
Written comments should be directed to Ms. Meera Dane.
A public hearing is scheduled for October 14th at 9:00 AM at the AHA Office to receive public comment on the plan. If special accommodations are needed for persons attending the public hearing, please let us know in advance at 720-251-2100 or via Relay Colorado at 7-1-1.
VILLAGE AT WESTERLY CREEK TAX CREDIT AWARD
On August 25th, the Aurora Housing Authority (AHA) was awarded an allocation of Low Income Housing Tax Credits from the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority to be used to build the first phase of the “Village at Westerly Creek”, consisting of a 55-unit affordable development for seniors.
The new building will replace the outdated and physically obsolescent “Buckingham Gardens” public housing development owned by AHA. The existing Buckingham Gardens was built in the mid 1970’s, and lacks significantly in amenities and safety features necessary for seniors. The Village at Westerly Creek, to be developed in two phases, will have a large community room with attached kitchen and pantry, exercise rooms, beauty salon, community gardens, on-site leasing and management offices, secured building entry, “snow-melt” walkways, and office space for visiting health professionals. The proposed project also offers “green” features; including rooftop photovoltaic panels to offset energy used in common areas, and high efficiency HVAC.
The apartment units have generous sizes, ranging from 652 to 785 square feet for one-bedroom apartments, and 1,027 square feet for the two-bedroom apartments. All units will include Energy-Star rated appliances (dishwasher, range, range-hood, and refrigerator) and CFL bulbs to enhance affordability and efficiency, a large pantry, and a patio/balcony. Twenty units will be fully handicapped accessible, which exceeds minimum requirements.
All units will be affordable to seniors earning less than 60% of the area median income (AMI); however, it is projected that all households will have incomes of less than 30% of AMI. The current Buckingham Gardens property provides federal rental assistance for low-income seniors: the new Village of Westerly Creek will provide similar federal rental assistance for the residents. Residents will pay no more than 30% of their adjusted monthly income toward rent; the remaining rent portion will be paid by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in the form of rental assistance.
The total project cost for the first phase is $12 million. The recent $813,000 award of Low Income Housing Tax Credits is anticipated to generate over $6.4 million in private investment into Aurora. The remainder of the first phase costs will be financed from bank loans, federal, state, and local housing grant funds, and AHA cash investment. The construction is anticipated to begin in Spring 2011, and completed by Summer 2012.
The Aurora Housing Authority was established in 1975, and currently owns and/or manages 850 units of affordable housing, and provides rental Housing Vouchers to nearly 1,500 additional households. The Aurora Housing Authority is a quasi-governmental organization which receives no direct funding from the City of Aurora or from the State of Colorado. The Voucher program is responsible for nearly $17 million of federal investment to private landlords in Aurora to house low-income families.
Image by Odell Architects
For more information please contact Craig Maraschky, Executive Director at cmaraschky@aurorahousing.org.
AURORA HOUSING AUTHORITY HOLIDAYS
June 28, 2010 - Aurora Housing Authority will be closed Friday, July 2nd, through Monday, July 5th in observation of both Independence Day and our annual "floating holiday." Additional closures are expected on schedule for Monday, September 6th, representing Labor Day, Thursday, November 11th in recognition of Veterans' Day, Thursday the 25th and Friday the 26th of November for the Thanksgiving Holiday, Friday, December 24th in recognition of the winter holidays, and Friday, December 31st for New Years. We apologize for any inconvenience, and do try to leave ample signage on our doors to inform our patrons.
Presentation of HUD-VASH funding
July 9, 2010 Aurora Housing Authority was presented with housing vouchers valued $436,272.00 to provide permanent rental housing and support services for homeless veterans in Aurora, part of the $1.3 million in VASH (Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing) vouchers coming to Colorado veterans. The Aurora Housing Authority will work closely with the local Veterans Affairs Medical Center to administer the program. On hand to present the check were Congressman Ed Perlmutter; Mayor Ed Tauer; Deborah Griswald, Deputy Regional Administrator of HUD; Richard De Blasio, M.S.W., L.C.S.W., Network Homeless Coordinator; and Major General Michael Edwards, Colorado Adjutant General.
Other invited guests included: Amanda Park, L.C.S.W. HUD-VASH Coordinator Department of Veterans Affairs; William Conroy, Director, Colorado Department of Veterans Affairs; State Representative Su Ryden HD-36, State Representative Nancy Todd, HD-41; George Thomas President, United Veterans of Committee of Colorado, Richard Young, Rear Admiral USNR (Ret.), Chairman, Colorado Employee Support of the Guard and Reserve. Bob Broom, Aurora City Council, Ward V; Barbara Cleland, Aurora City Council Representative At-Large; Molly Markert, Aurora City Council, Ward IV; and Marsha Berzins, Aurora City Council, Ward III.
Photo by E. Jerome Ryden
AN EVENING OF JAZZ ON THE LAWN
September 16, 2009 - The Aurora Housing Authority organized an evening of jazz on the lawn for the residents of Buckingham Gardens. The concert featured saxophonist Dana Singleton and trumpeter Marcus Hampton. The musicians played old standards from John Coltrane, Dave Brubeck, Miles Davis and many others. Residents were able to enjoy the concert from seating set up on the lawn or from the comfort of their own patio. In addition, many Aurora Housing Authority staff members attended. Thank you to Dana Singleton and Marcus Hampton for a wonderful evening.
AURORA HOUSING AUTHORITY WINS NATIONAL EXCELLENCE AWARD
WASHINGTON, Oct. 25 – The Aurora (Colo.) Housing Authority (AHA) has won a national award honoring superior assisted housing and community development programs. The AHA won in the Program Innovation: Community Revitalization category for the Aurora Community Reinvestment Plan.
The 2008 Award of Excellence comes from the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO), and will be officially presented on Oct. 28 at NAHRO’s National Conference and Exhibition in San Antonio, Texas. The AHA is one of 23 programs nationwide to receive the 2008 award, out of an original pool of 188 applicants.
Beginning in 2004, the AHA set out to address the need for multi-family construction in Aurora. According to a Housing Needs Assessment, no new multi-family construction occurred between 1960 and 2001. The study also indicated that 4,000 new units of housing per year would be needed. The AHA began a systematic approach to acquiring, renovating, preserving or building affordable housing. The AHA began by reinvesting in its own properties and by creating opportunities for building or acquiring other affordable developments. By breaking away from its role as an 'old fashioned' public housing authority, the AHA preserved 271 units of project-based Section 8 housing; built 68 new tax credit units; entered into limited partnerships with for-profit developers to newly construct or renovate 359 tax credit units; reinvested in its own properties through tax credits partnerships and grants to upgrade 210 units; and formed alliances with other non-profits to preserve 140 units of special needs housing.
"Dreams have become reality through commitment, passion and innovation of NAHRO professionals who are increasing opportunities in their communities," said NAHRO President Renée Rooker. "Our Awards of Excellence program recognizes their accomplishments as the best across our nation and they are truly making a difference in communities and the people who live there."
Aurora Housing Authority wins "People's Choice" award at AAMD Chili Cook-off
October 11, 2008 – Aurora Housing Authority, participating with Resident Data (http://www.residentdata.com/) won the People’s Choice award for red chili at the Apartment Association of Metro Denver’s 9th Annual Chili Cook-off. The booth presented a “Zorro” theme, complete with black masks and swords. Green and red chili were prepared by award-winning cooks and AHA employees Steve Garceo and Roberta Olmos, respectively. Also participating were Meera Dane and Esmeralda Garcia with AHA, and Amy Johnson of Resident Data.
This family-friendly event was held from noon to 4 p.m. at RediCarpet in Aurora. In addition to the many fun-themed individual booths there was also a Kids Zone including a Jumping Castle, a Haunted Path, a professional Fire Eater, Face Painters, Clowns, and a Stilt Walker.
In addition to the “Best Red” and “Best Green” chili categories voted on by participants were the “Most Unusual but Edible,” and “Hottest.” Examples of “Most Unusual” macaroni and cheese chili as well as a “Philly Cheesesteak” chili. AHA’s winning red chili revealed an unusual velvety sauce with tasty pork and orange, whereas the crowd-favorite green had an endorphin-rush of heat and flavor. Also popular were the special recipe “orange margaritas” available to the adult public.
Click the following link to see pictures from the event http://www.flickr.com/photos/aamd. Check page 3 for a picture of the award winning team and chili.
Congratulations on the award!
AURORA HOUSING AUTHORITY RECEIVES NATIONAL AWARD OF MERIT FOR PROGRAM INNOVATION-COMMUNITY REVITALIZATION
Aurora, CO August 8, 2008 – Aurora Housing Authority has been named a 2008 recipient of the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO) Award of Merit for its work in Program Innovation – Community Revitalization. The award was presented at the NAHRO Summer Conference in Nashville, TN, July 25, 2008.
The award recognizes outstanding achievement in housing and community development programs through the nation. Program Innovation-Community Revitalization includes innovative use of programs in areas such as economic development, neighborhood preservation, and creative financing.
Between 2004 and 2006 AHA created, preserved, and reinvested in 1,048 units to provide decent, safe, and sustainable housing available to the lowest income residents of the community (those at ≤ 30% AMI). Over 40% of the 1,048 units house those at ≤ 30% AMI and overall over 3,500 people were affected. AHA participation in the community’s revitalization efforts increased the City’s portfolio of affordable units by 745 within the 3-year period.
“NAHRO members have been innovative in their solutions to address resident services, operations, housing development, and economic development in their communities,” said NAHRO President Renee Rooker. “They have taken advantage of opportunities and we are proud to recognize their achievements.”
The 2008 NAHRO Awards of Merit recognize outstanding achievement in housing and community development programs in five categories: Administrative Innovation, Program Innovation-Affordable Housing, Program Innovation-Community Revitalization, Program Innovation-Resident and Client Services, Project Design.
The National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials is a 74-year-old membership organization of 3,200 housing and community development agencies and 19,500 professionals throughout the United States whose mission is to create affordable housing and safe, viable communities that enhance the quality of life for all Americans, especially those of low-and moderate-income. NAHRO ensures that housing and community development professionals have the leadership skills and education to serve communities; advocates for appropriate laws and policies; and foster the highest standards of ethical behavior, service and accountability.