Growing up in rural Alabama, Lisa Jones often helped her parents with repairs around their house. Though her memories of days spent repairing walls and replacing handrails(扶手)are special, they don't end up with picture-perfect makeover(翻新). "My dad was the ultimate handyman, but he was 60 when I was born, already a senior, " says Lisa, "and some projects were too hard for him and my mom while others were just too costly." Then the repairs went undone. "I know what it feels like to live in such a house.”
Today Lisa lives in Atlanta, where an increasing number of elderly homeowners are in the same situation. As executive director of the nonprofit HouseProud Atlanta, she's now fully equipped to help them solve it.
Billions of dollars in building development have caused property values in some areas, and tax bills, to skyrocket. "Folks who have lived in their homes for decades can't save enough money to maintain them,” Lisa, 43, explains. "It's a scary time for those who want to stay in the place they love.” HouseProud Atlanta makes that possible. "We help them be a part of the changes in their neighborhood, not pushed out by them.”
Since 2004, HouseProud Atlanta has served more than 1, 000 clients. It's no surprise that many of them have become extended family to the mom of three boys----her middle son, Khalil, 7, is even named after a beloved client's favorite poet. "Lisa's like a daughter to me, "says Tinnie Baugh, a 63-year-old woman whose hot water had been out for months when she heard about HouseProud Atlanta. "Lisa sent people to take care of the pipes, and they've painted my house and still help me out when I need it.”
It's a role that Lisa has been comfortable with from the time she was playing apprentice(学徒)to her dad. "These seniors just need someone to show them that everything can be better if they have support,” she says.
4. What can be learned about Lisa's family?
A.They made living by selling houses. |
B.They lived in a self-built house in Atlanta. |
C.They used to repair their house on their own. |
D.They had their house painted from time to time. |
5. What does the underlined word "that" in paragraph 3 refer to?
A.Paying tax bills. | B.Living a life of ease. |
C.Saving enough money. | D.Getting free houses to live in. |
6. What is expressed in Tinnie Baugh's words?
A.Sympathy. | B.Appreciation. | C.Curiosity. | D.Disappointment. |
7. What can we learn from Lisa's story?
A.Love makes the world go around. |
B.Learning from the elderly is necessary. |
C.Helping others is easier said than done. |
D.A winner is one with a great effort of will. |