Philadelphia roofer raises funds to repair elderly man's collapsing roof

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- A Philadelphia roofer's act of kindness has led to major repairs for a 73-year-old man whose home was deteriorating from a long-term roof leak.

It began when Oliver Parker showed roofer Joey Lawless the mold, rot and water damage spreading through his Southwest Philadelphia house.

Parker, who relies on Social Security, told Lawless he had no way to pay for the repairs.

"I got a phone call from Mr. Parker, he said: 'My roof's leaking, someone recommended you, can you come out?'" Lawless said. "And I just was lost for words."

Cell phone video captured the moment Lawless first saw the damage.

"How long has it been leaking? This isn't safe, bro," he said in the recording.

Parker replied, "I know. What am I going to do man? I'm 73 years old."

Lawless decided to raise money online to help.

"I said, you know what, let me just see if I can raise some money, and he was cool with it," he said.

Within three days, donations surpassed the $15,000 goal.

The additional funds allowed Lawless and volunteers to address not only the roof, but also the mold and rotting wood inside the home caused by years of water intrusion.

"We got so many people donating their time and materials, that's helping, because we are almost out of the budget, but we just have people that keep showing up, keep donating stuff," Lawless said.

Lawless said he just felt compelled to help.

"I don't know if it was God, I don't know what it was, I just had a gut feeling," he said.

Lawless says work on the roof is now complete.

Work on the interior of Parker's home is expected to finish within the next two weeks.