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Aurora Today
By the People, for the People
Aurora Navigation Campus Passes Mold Safety Test, But Concerns Remain
Community members raise health worries despite city's assurances that occupied areas are safe
Published on Feb. 28, 2026
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Despite a report showing that occupied areas of the Aurora Regional Navigation Campus have safe air quality, some community members continue to express concerns about potential mold exposure and health issues at the homeless shelter facility. City officials say they are working to mitigate higher mold levels found in unoccupied areas of the building, which have been cordoned off from guests.
Why it matters
The Aurora Navigation Campus serves as a critical shelter and services hub for the city's homeless population, but ongoing concerns about health and safety conditions could undermine public trust and the facility's ability to effectively support vulnerable residents.
The details
Air quality testing conducted by a city-hired contractor found that all occupied areas of the Aurora Navigation Campus currently open to guests have airborne mold concentrations within normal ranges. However, higher mold levels were detected in the unoccupied fifth and sixth floors, which have been closed off. City officials say they are working to mitigate the mold issues in those areas before allowing access. Some guests, like Demetrius Rayden Johnson, have reported health issues like coughing, nosebleeds, and general illness that they believe are tied to mold exposure, though the city has not confirmed a direct link.
- In January 2026, community members first raised concerns about conditions inside the Aurora Navigation Campus facility.
- In mid-January 2026, plumbing and sewage issues at the campus were discovered and repaired.
- On one of the coldest nights last week, the campus reached a peak occupancy of 376 people.
The players
Stephanie Keiper
Aurora's manager of homelessness behavioral health.
Demetrius Rayden Johnson
A guest at the Aurora Navigation Campus who reported health issues he believes are due to mold exposure.
Lark Consulting Group
The contractor hired by the city of Aurora to lead the conversion of the building from a hotel to a shelter and conduct air quality testing.
What’s next
The city of Aurora says it will continue air quality monitoring and mitigation in the closed areas of the building while construction continues. The city has also said it will provide regular updates to Aurora City Council and housing policy committees as the campus ramps up operations.
The takeaway
This situation highlights the importance of ensuring safe and healthy living conditions for vulnerable populations in homeless shelters and other community facilities. While the city has taken steps to address the mold issues, ongoing transparency and collaboration with residents will be crucial to maintaining trust and effectively supporting those in need.
