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Mass Evictions Carried Out at Whispering Pines in Aurora

OFFERED $1,200 | Current tenants are being asked to vacate the building. (Photo/El Comercio de Colorado)

TENANTS DEMAND JUSTICE AND HOUSING SOLUTIONS

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The Whispering Pines apartment complex in Aurora, Colorado, has become the epicenter of a conflict affecting dozens of migrant families, primarily from Venezuela and Colombia. Since PMI Aspire took over the management of the complex in October 2024, tensions have arisen over deteriorating living conditions, irregular evictions, and practices that, according to community organizations, violate tenants’ fundamental rights.

Broken Promises and Housing Deterioration

Upon taking over management, PMI Aspire promised urgent repairs and a restart of rent collections. Persistent issues with plumbing, leaks, pest infestations, and structural damage had led many residents to stop paying rent since mid-2024. “Instead of addressing these needs, the new management is demanding back payments and offering us $1,200 to vacate the units and waive any future legal claims,” one tenant reported.

V. Reeves, a representative of Housekeys Action Network Denver (HAND), clarified that this is not a case of legal eviction due to unpaid rent. “What is happening is not a legal eviction; it is intimidation and forced displacement,” Reeves denounced. The community leader pointed out that PMI Aspire has resorted to threats of changing locks and arbitrary pressure instead of following established judicial procedures.

Harassment and Lack of Official Support

Organizations such as HAND and Redress Movement have harshly criticized the lack of intervention from local authorities regarding these events. Reeves noted that some residents have received threats not only from the management but also from political figures, exacerbating their vulnerability. “Politicians came here alongside representatives of PMI Aspire, telling some tenants to vacate the apartments without seeking help from organizations and to accept the money being offered,” said the tenant.

“In addition to the deplorable conditions, these tenants face institutional abandonment, leaving them defenseless against abusive practices. Aurora must prioritize protecting the rights of residents,” said Jon Marcantoni, spokesperson for Redress Movement.

A Questionable and Insufficient Offer

The $1,200 offer from PMI Aspire has faced widespread criticism for not even covering one month’s rent in Aurora, where housing costs exceed $1,800 per month on average. Moreover, tenants accepting this offer must sign documents waiving any legal action against the management. Reeves emphasized that this strategy seeks to expedite the displacement of families without providing viable alternatives, leaving many homeless.

Call to Authorities

Councilwoman Allison Coombs has urged tenants to report any irregularities, reminding them that evictions must follow a judicial process. However, this call has not been enough to ease the uncertainty of the affected families. HAND and Redress Movement have demanded concrete actions, such as strengthening housing code enforcement, penalizing abusive landlords, and ensuring tenants’ rights are respected regardless of their immigration status.

At the same time, organizations highlight the need for greater education on housing rights. “We can educate tenants about their rights, but without tangible actions from authorities, these efforts are in vain,” lamented Reeves.

The Future of Whispering Pines

Reeves emphasized that the situation at Whispering Pines appears to reflect a broader issue of exclusion and gentrification in Aurora. PMI Aspire’s management seems focused on remodeling units to attract new, wealthier residents at the expense of displacing the current communities. The conflict remains a critical challenge demanding immediate responses. Whispering Pines families face an uncertain future as calls grow for local authorities to resolve this housing crisis.