Lamar Harris is a special needs adult with the mental abilities of a preteen, and he has lived in his house in Gloucester Township, New Jersey since he was born. When his neighbors learned that Lamar was going to lose his home in weeks if he didn’t pay $50,000, they knew they had to do something to help him.

Lamar had fallen behind on paying his property taxes because of various things including deaths of his family members, his reading deficits, and his inability to understand finances. In fact, his property taxes had not been paid since his dad passed away back in 2015. As soon as Lamar received notice that he had to pay up, his friends rallied behind him to help.

Terri Fretz, who has known Lamar for 38 years, created a GoFundMe page in the hopes of raising the money.

“We, his neighbors, have all banded together and have been watching out for Lamar since his dad died. This problem just recently came to light and is too big for just his neighbors to handle,” Terri said.

In just one week, they were able to raise over $67,000! Lamar was so excited when he heard the news that he called everyone in the street and met them in their yards to celebrate.

“We want to thank the hundreds of wonderful people who found room for Lamar in their hearts. You are all proof that kindness can make a difference in a person’s life in a big way,” Terri wrote in an update on the page. “We have raised the money needed to pay off the lien that was placed on Lamar’s home. He is very grateful and understands the kindness that has been bestowed upon him. All donations that he continues to receive will be applied to Lamar’s future and current needs (attorney fees, current year taxes, home maintenance). All money will be deposited into a bank account set up solely for the Lamar’s benefit. There is still good in the world. There is still hope for us all.”