determine the meaning of this quote. " we couldn't get along without him. We needed Johnny as much as he needed the gang.

The gang unofficially adopts Johnny. His mother does not care about Johnny so the rest of the gang looks out for him. Ponyboy notes that the gang needs Johnny as well. They need his soft-spoken sincerity as well as his kindness. Ponyboy certainly needs him the most. Johnny is like a brother to Ponyboy.