This article was written by iACT intern Maria Noonan. 

James Rivers sits on the metal siding outside of his east Austin house. He has lived in the small one story house for over a decade. It was originally built in 1936 and retains the feel of the early 1900’s. On either side of the house are modern, newly built homes. Their multiple stories, rectangular windows, and dark blue paint are a stark contrast from Mr. Rivers quaint home.

Mr. Rivers has seen the roads, lawns, houses, and people change over the years. A few  houses with bright white trim sit further up the neighborhood. Years ago one of those newly built homes was his mother’s house.

“I grew up in another house down the street that my mother had. I was in and out between houses, you know. (My mother’s) house got sold and now it is the blueish gray one,” Mr. Rivers said pointing down the street to a two story blue house. The home has a completely different structure and style from Mr. Rivers current home. “My mom moved around the corner to stay in the neighborhood. My auntie didn’t have no kids so she pretty much raised me and my mother.”

Over the years, Mr. Rivers’ house has needed more work than he could afford to fix. And his home fell further and further into the shadow of the giants next door. He learned of iACTs hands on housing program and got the opportunity to get much needed repairs to his home.

He was able to get a new kitchen and bathroom sink, drywall repair, new CO detectors, a new door, and other much needed repairs like new flooring. He stands in his kitchen and describes some of the repairs he is most proud of.

“The counter-top and cabinets and everything is new,” Mr. Rivers said, and he leans against his new fridge and points around the kitchen. “They gave me another wall and put all this in here. Everything here is new and nice. Thank you.”

Outside, he reflected on how much the neighborhood has changed. Additionally, he reflects on the atmosphere of  the neighborhood now compared to when he grew up.

“These people here,” he points to his left at the dark blue square home, “is a man who lives with his daughter. They are so nice,” he continues to look around where the old homes stop and meet the new dwellings. “Everyone here will offer a smile and a wave when you pass them. The neighborhood has always been friendly.”

With his new repairs he feels a sense of pride in his home. But his pride will always be within the neighborhood. Even though Mr. Rivers has seen the change over the years he makes sure that when old meets new only positive feelings result.