It’s common for neighbors to lend a helping hand—maybe lending a cup of sugar or collecting mail while someone’s out of town. But most people draw the line at large-scale home improvement projects—unless you’re Uncle Jhonn.
Known online by his handle @unclejhonn, this retired man has made it his mission to go above and beyond for his community. So, when he spotted a broken fence while driving through his neighborhood, he didn’t just take note—he took action.
In a video shared on social media, Jhonn explains:
“Today I was riding down the street and noticed my neighbor’s fence laying on the ground. So I decided to replace it completely—for free. Just because I’m retired, y’all, and I ain’t got nothing better to do. Plus, if they could afford to get it done, it would’ve been did by now.”
But he didn’t just leap into action with a saw. Jhonn made sure to knock on the door first.
“I didn’t just jump out of my truck and start cutting up their fence,” he clarifies with a smile. “I asked if they wanted the help, and when I told them I’d do it for free—they were more than excited.”
The homeowner is a single mother living with her own mom, who recently suffered a car accident that left their vehicle totaled. The family had been trying to replace the dilapidated fence for years but couldn’t afford the steep costs—contractors quoted over $6,000.
“And let’s be real,” Jhonn adds, “with the way the world is right now, $6,000? You might as well say that’s a million dollars.”
So, Jhonn got to work. In just under three hours, he tore down the old fence, cut fresh panels, and built a brand-new six-foot privacy fence—sturdy, clean, and built to last. The project cost him $2,173.89 of his own money.
But Jhonn isn’t doing this just for one household. He has a bigger vision: to rebuild and uplift his entire neighborhood.
Using funds he earns from TikTok, he purchases materials for similar free projects. His website even offers downloadable blueprints for DIY projects like raised garden beds, mailboxes, and storage sheds—so others can follow in his footsteps.
“Level 2025: Rebuilding the Community…” he writes in the caption of the video, tagged with #unclejhonn and #diyfence.
The Internet Responds
People across social media are singing Jhonn’s praises:
“This is what we need more of—neighbors helping neighbors!”
“That fence looks amazing! You didn’t cut corners either. Built it like it was your own. Good on you.”
“As a single mom, thank you. I know that family is beyond grateful.”
“You’re such a good human. My mom was a single parent for years, and I’ll never forget the older man who rebuilt our porch because he was worried about my nana’s safety.”
In a time when kindness can feel rare, Uncle Jhonn reminds us what it looks like to quietly show up, do the work, and expect nothing in return—except a stronger, more connected community.
