Community Rallies To Save Disabled Gloucester Township Man's Home

GLOUCESTER TOWNSHIP, NJ — Lamar Harris has lived in his home in a close-knit Gloucester Township community his entire life. When his brother died in 2016, he found himself completely alone. Now, he may be losing his home, but the community is coming together to help.

Harris's father paid off their house in the Foxboro Development in the Blackwood section of the township because he always wanted his son to have a place to live, according to Harris's neighbor, Terri Fretz.

But during a trip to ShopRite in 2015, Harris's father suffered a massive heart attack. His father died in front of Harris, an adult man with the mental abilities of a pre-teen.

Six months later, Harris's brother died, and Harris found himself alone. Harris’s mother had died when he was eight and his grandmother died when he was 12.

And now Harris learned he may be losing his house. Although the mortgage has been paid off, no taxes have been paid on the home since 2015, as Harris does not understand finances and has a very limited reading ability, according to the “Help Lamar Save His Home” GoFundMe page.

Now, he owes $50,000 in back taxes and fees. Gloucester Township has filed a lien for back property taxes.

"We didn't even think about it," Fretz said. "We helped him fix up his home. We have all his bills set up to be paid, and we were helping him with his bank account. But we never thought about the taxes."

The neighbors pay their taxes with their mortgages, and when they heard the mortgage had been paid, taxes never entered into their thought process. The tax bill comes on a postcard, and it's possible that Harris threw the bills away because he didn't understand what they were.

"He might lose his house, and he doesn't even understand why," Fretz said.

The neighbors have spoken with the township's tax collector and the township's attorney. The attorney said they won't negotiate with the neighbors directly. Harris needs an attorney to represent him, and at least 50 percent of what is owed before the lawyer will negotiate. And he has until Aug. 5 to get those things, Fretz said.

On Wednesday, Gloucester Township Mayor David Mayer released the following statement:

"The township has been in contact with state and county offices, specifically the 4th State Legislative District Offices of Senator Madden, Assemblyman Moriarty, and Assemblywoman Mosquera, as well as the office of the Camden County Surrogate's Court. We are compiling information as to the status of not only the property, but most importantly, the status and care of Mr. Lamar Harris. The current foreclosure process is the result of a private lien holder that dates back to 2015. We will continue to research this matter to ensure the proper care of Mr. Harris."

As of Wednesday afternoon, July 31, organizers have raised over $40,000 toward the $50,000 goal. All money donated to the fundraiser is going into a bank account that has been set up to help Harris settle his housing issue.

If he falls short and loses his home, the money will be put toward obtaining a new home for Harris, and proof will be provided to those who inquire, according to organizers, which include neighbors and members of Bethel Church.

Neighbors are seeking a lawyer to negotiate on behalf of Harris, who also can't drive. He works at Rastelli's, and gets there via a transportation service.

“Lamar has a part-time job doing menial tasks which he has held since he was 15 years old,” organizers said. “He also cuts lawns for some of his neighbors. He does try hard to survive.”

"The neighbors go to the market for him. He takes in their trash cans for them," resident Denise Coyne said.

When a new baby is born, he helps spread the news all over the neighborhood. When people first move into the community and meet Harris, they can't help but love him, Fretz said.

“This is the only life Lamar knows,” organizers said. “We, his neighbors, all agree he would not be able to function anywhere else. There is no place like home. Please help Lamar save his.”

To donate to the cause, visit gofundme.com.