Proof that wonderful people exist in this world: A true story.
Many of you are familiar with my current set of circumstances of being homeless. I am feeling this will end soon--at least having some sight of the finish line. Its frustrating though. But something happened to me yesterday that I totally did not expect--besides the fact my car broke down.
After spending a night in a church (on the floor), I was brought back to facility along with the other individuals staying there, to where people hang out during the day. I was up early(4AM) believing it would be a good day to try to find a day job. Came back from church, went to start my car and nothing. Got a jump. It started, but then died. This shot my entire day of doing something with no wheels. Felt really down(that was Thursday). I later walked around some shops where there was a convenience store to get something to drink. Guy at counter asked how my day was going. Told my car won't start. He said he knew of a really good mechanic and gave me his number. Also said guy works out of his garage(assuming at his house).
I called, told the issue, and he thought it was fuel pump which is the gas tank. But assured he knew Honda's really well. I later got a call from someone from church who knows my current situation. He simply said I'll get you a tow since he had a free tow available from AAA. So yesterday just after lunch, tow truck showed up to take car to this dude with garage. What I discovered was a full-blown 1-man shop complete with electric lift and every guys dream: tons of tools (or toys) for anything.
To be short, I had had a brief conversation with this guy and told him I'm expecting a couple of days work on a pending paint job from a friend. Had no resources at the moment. He said hang on. So I waited about 3 hours--missing my chance to get on list for sleeping spot at church. I wound up sleeping in my car in apartment parking area. hardly slept. He was working on another car and had a ton of people calling him or asking about a car in back he's trying to sell. So he finally had time to do a couple of tests. The reason my car wouldn't start was the alternator. I thought oh boy! Not as serious as I thought. But I also have problems with a CV-boot on front axle that is about to break. Instead of starting to replace alternator, he instead started to remove my axle and was on phone to parts person of which axle he needed. He then asked from replacement alternator. I was wondering why he was pulling the axle out and relation to alternator. After waiting about 2 hours for parts, delivery person brings in a re maned' front axle, and alternator. He then said "we'll get you going on some better wheels" I was at a loss for words. But he didn't stop there. There was a problem with one of my cylinders not firing correctly. He re-threaded spake plug on head as someone had stripped threads. He also replaced the wire and connection. Then ran some other tests, tweaked a sensor adjustment that was lose, and battery connection.
The bottom line is, he said to send what I could when I get resettled and he was writing off the axel. At his point he was ready to close up and said to follow him to AM_PM station up the street and put $10 in.
There were other things in our conversation that I can't remember, but basically he said he understood.
I was absolutely amazed this guy did all this work..which was about 4 hours. He gave me his card and asked I refer people who have car problems--which I will do. But bottom line is I discovered there are truly people out there(including people on DU) who really care. I am still amazed.
I will no doubt remember this dude. I can't afford not to. I just had to share this. Couldn't hold back. Its inspiration for others.
= new reply since forum marked as read
along with the sociopaths. Thanks for the update, you know we're pulling for you! 
and I'm so glad that you ran into one!
Thanks for sharing this story.
Keep us posted on your progress as well 
