GLOUCESTER TOWNSHIP, NJ — Many people say today's political environment leaves them in despair. There seems to be a divide in America that is becoming more evident to citizens, and they are beginning to see daily incidents of what was once thought to be unimaginable violence.

Meanwhile, in a little corner of the world, a small South Jersey community recently rallied in an effort to help a man with special needs keep his home. As of Monday afternoon, an online fundraiser had raised more than enough money to help Lamar Harris keep his Gloucester Township home.

A Philadelphia-based motorcycle group that calls itself a "one-percenter" motorcycle club has taken notice and now they're taking action. On Saturday, the Wheels of Soul are riding to meet the white community that gave an adult black man a second chance at having a home.



The "Help Lamar Save His Home"GoFundMe page had raised more than $64,000, as of Monday afternoon, Aug. 5. The 39-year-old man with the mental abilities of a pre-teen had needed to raise at least 50 percent of the $50,000 in back taxes and fees needed to save his home.

He found himself in the position after his father suffered a massive heart attack and died during a trip to ShopRite in 2015. A year later, when his brother died, Harris found himself all alone and, eventually, in debt. Read more here: Community Rallies To Save Disabled Gloucester Township Man's Home



The money was raised through 996 donations on a fundraiser started by the mostly white community that lives in the Foxboro Development in the Blackwood section of Gloucester Township.

Wheels of Soul, a mixed-race motorcycle club formed in 1967 in Philadelphia, took notice of the community's efforts at a time when America's racial divide is becoming more glaring.



"With the racial tension we see right now, to see white members of the community go out of their way to help a black man in need is great," said a longtime member of the group who goes by the name Captain Black. "There should be more people who help each other like this."



Captain Black said his group will ride to Harris's home on Saturday afternoon, Aug. 10. He said he has not yet spoken with Harris, but he has spoken to a few of the neighbors who helped launch the fundraiser.



While the money raised is enough to satisfy a lien that was placed on the house by the township, the community is now trying to raise money to help pay this year's taxes, attorney fees and home repairs, according to resident Denise Coyne, who has been helping with the fundraiser.

Captain Black said his group will make a donation. He estimates it will be about $1,000, but said the amount as important as recognizing the efforts of this community.

