During a storm‑y night in Los Angeles, a crew of deaf construction workers from Neverless Construction was repairing a roof when two thieves drove up and stole batteries, blades, a blower and several power tools. The loss threatened the crew’s ability to finish the job and earn a living.
Homeowner discovers the theft
Jan Menapace, the homeowner, noticed the crew’s distress after they returned from the roof for a break. “At first you didn’t know what was happening,” she recalled. “The guys were signing to each other and they looked like they were looking for something.” She asked what was wrong and learned their tools had vanished.
Reviewing her home’s security footage, Menapace saw two individuals pull up to the worksite, load the equipment into a vehicle and drive away. “I felt taken, deprived,” said Michael Litberg, the crew’s foreman. “This is our livelihood.”
Neighbors step in
Moved by the crew’s plight, Menapace launched an online fundraiser that quickly caught the attention of the surrounding community. Residents began dropping off lunches, offering to meet the crew at Home Depot, and purchasing replacement tools.
“People would just come by and drop off lunch for them,” Menapace said. “And people calling and said, ‘Can you meet me at Home Depot? I want to buy you tools.’” The outpouring of generosity allowed the crew to replace the stolen items and continue the roof repair without further delay.
Looking ahead
Litberg expressed gratitude for the support and shared a hopeful vision for the future. He plans to use his experience to train more deaf workers, creating job opportunities for those who face similar barriers in the construction industry.
“We’re thankful for the outpouring of support,” Litberg said. “We hope we can give back by training more deaf workers who need jobs.”
Community impact
This incident highlights the strength of neighborhood solidarity in Los Angeles. When a local business faces adversity, neighbors quickly mobilize resources, reinforcing the idea that a caring community can protect and uplift its members, especially those who may be vulnerable.
The crew’s ability to resume work thanks to neighborly assistance underscores the importance of supporting local workers and ensuring that all members of the community—regardless of ability—have the chance to thrive.
Original reporting: NBC4 Los Angeles — read the source article.
