I’m homeless living in my car and today I got a flat tire.

Submitted by Adventurous_Air2867 t3_10paa8e in Connecticut

I go to look in my car for the tools I need for the job. Only thing I have is the spare. I have no functioning Jack and no wrench. I’ve never stranded for almost 6 hours and have asked everyone around me and not one person has bothered to help me. Can somebody please have a heart and help a fellow human being in desperate need? I’m in Southington right now

Update: I was able to get the tools I needed and got the spare on. The flat tire can still be salvaged

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Socko67 t1_j6j7nbm wrote

Is there no home depot harbor freight or lowest anything like that walking distance? It happemed to me but lucky I was about mile amd a half away from home depot amd I took a hike there and back

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tookerken t1_j6j83ry wrote

Most automotive stores like AutoZone, or pep Boys etc will let you use their tools for free.

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Adventurous_Air2867 OP t1_j6j85zb wrote

Replying to Socko67 (#1,622,841)

I do Instacart. That’s my only source of income right now. Without my car I can’t do Instacart and without that I have no money. I’m completely broke right now. Trying to get this fixed so I can go out and make some money

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ChioneG t1_j6j8b6p wrote

AutoZone often has tools you can borrow. Have you checked with them?

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tookerken t1_j6j8i8f wrote

Replying to Adventurous_Air2867 (#1,622,921)

They wanted to charge you or for you to put down a deposit.

I understand you don't have the money for either one. But there's a significant difference between the two.

There's no other AutoZone's within walking distance, there's no pep Boys, there's no O'Reilly's?

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tookerken t1_j6j9bqz wrote

So I just called your local southington AutoZone. The way that the policy is is you buy the tool you can use it and then you're returning get your money back. That's obviously not going to work for you.

They also don't loan out Jack's, and they don't loan out anything to do with the lug nuts. So no lug wrenches or anything like that.

I asked them if they had any better suggestions, they didn't have any period at this point I'm kind of stuck. I'm surprised that nobody has a jack or a basic lug wrench that can work for you.

Sorry but I'm kind of at a loss for suggestions at this point. If I was local I'd help you out I'm in California sorry.

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Adventurous_Air2867 OP t1_j6ja0gq wrote

Replying to tookerken (#1,623,244)

I’ve been trying for almost 6 hours and nobody has even bothered. It is in excellent condition but with people are being so cold blooded towards me when I simply am asking for help, I might have no choice but to abandon the car or sell it if I can

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Particular_Form6135 t1_j6jb4db wrote

Try a Southington Facebook page? People on those pages are sometimes willing to help out!

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TheKnifeEdge t1_j6jb5p2 wrote

Lug nuts are always either a 19mm or a 21mm socket, wrench, whatever, almost always one of those two sizes so that would work for the lug nuts. Still need a jack though. Alternatively depending upon what caused the flat, if it's just a nail....get a 5 dollar plug kit from autozone fill the tire with air and plug the nail hole with the tire still on the car.....sorry....nowhere near southington today. Good luck.

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Ilikecrazypeople t1_j6jbtsc wrote

If you're somewhat stuck in the middle of the state, I can offer a place to sleep. Just please don't kill me in the middle of the night.

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No-Salary-294 t1_j6jd4tb wrote

You are an hour away from me otherwise I woudlve helped someone end up helping you change your tire ?

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sevenfiftynorth t1_j6je7cn wrote

Maybe somebody is a AAA member and could call them to come change your tire? They've done that for me when I was a member and had a flat tire.

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Hairy-Memory8069 t1_j6jf3n1 wrote

Replying to Adventurous_Air2867 (#1,624,364)

If you can get ahold of anyone who is a member , my friend has had my car towed a few times. I’m not a member but she is. Had them come look at my car a few times too. Didn’t matter that I wasn’t a member , all they asked for was her name & info and then the cars information. Try posting in r/assistance I’ve gotten help from that sub a lot.

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steelyourself t1_j6ji2oy wrote

This won't help you with your tire but may help you get a roof over your head and back on your feet. Have you tried calling 211?

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Adventurous_Air2867 OP t1_j6jialq wrote

Replying to steelyourself (#1,625,218)

I cannot begin to tell you how many times I’ve called 211. They are no help. Shelters a filled to capacity this winter which is understandable. I’m forced to sleep in my car because there’s nowhere in CT that will put me up

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bunkerbash t1_j6jiogj wrote

OP this isn’t tire related but do you have a plan other than sleeping in your car for Friday and Saturday? It’s going to be dangerously cold.

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Adventurous_Air2867 OP t1_j6jj4v7 wrote

Replying to bunkerbash (#1,625,373)

I have no options just my car. I usually go out and barely make enough (Instacart deliveries) to put myself up in a motel room to keep warm. I was gonna go do some Instacarts today until this came up now I have no money nor a way to make any money. Im simply am stuck

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bunkerbash t1_j6jkrd8 wrote

Replying to Adventurous_Air2867 (#1,625,500)

Can you message me your PayPal? And if you find come Friday that you don’t have a place other than your car to stay will you let us know so we can help you find a place for the night? I cannot impress upon you enough that it will be life threateningly cold. I expect, or at least hope, some places will open up additional warming shelters so you may not need to pay anything.

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merryone2K t1_j6jr7u2 wrote

What's the make, model, and year of your vehicle? Could help to know this as maybe just maybe somebody has same/similar and can loan you their proper size lug wrench?

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jpagano664 t1_j6jtfl8 wrote

Abandoning your car is def not the move. I can’t get there til tomorrow mid morning, so if you still need it changed let me know and I’ll stop by

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Datguy220 t1_j6jxfxh wrote

Anyone got a plug in conneticut?

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cocopalermo t1_j6jzbru wrote

If someone in here has AAA they can use it to help you.

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lanretsr t1_j6k14k2 wrote

Dmed you and I'm here, where you at?

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gwy2ct t1_j6k3vsf wrote

There's a Town Fair Tire about a 5 min walk up the street, you can get your tire repaired there

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bobupvotes t1_j6k3x60 wrote

Any updates? Do you have plans for shelter this weekend aside from your car?

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shopjinkies t1_j6k5ahr wrote

Hi! My bf DM’d you. He can buy a jack if you’re still in need and if you’re able to pick it up from an autozone or something

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GetHyped85 t1_j6k9oc7 wrote

I can be there in about 25-30 if you still need help...just need to know asap

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red_purple_red t1_j6kb7vn wrote

You must have some money at least to pay for gas. You could try buying some temporary sealant for a few bucks at an auto store and then pump up the tire. It could let the tire hold air for a bit while you drive it to a safe location.

From there you could improvise a jack by getting a rock and a long branch and use that as a lever to jack up the car.

−20

laceyourbootsup t1_j6kcqv5 wrote

Hey bud,

I just saw your post and read through your profile.

I can’t address the flat tire situation but

If you have a car and are employable - Sodexho in New Britain is hiring at a solid rate per hour (no degree necessary). Also Target in Southington or there is a new Trader Joe’s in glastonbury opening up next week. Instacart is not sustainable.

CT is a very expensive state and not a place to live in your car.

If you need help finding a job to apply for or with your resume, message me.

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drmoney3 t1_j6kcxim wrote

Is it solved or do you still need some help?

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DannyZ28 t1_j6kfklb wrote

Hey man I’m in Farmington I have a Jack and an impact with sockets. I’ll drive over as soon as you respond

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Synapse82 t1_j6kfuex wrote

Hey, next time just call AAA or even local police station. They should help out. Just seeing this now

Also, for anyone else, anyone with a AAA membership can help other people using it. It no longer attached to a car.

Also best of luck, I have confidence you will come through and get out of your current situation. Just need a support system, I would call CHD. The mental health place, they also offer guidance and services in your situation.

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GreaseM0nk3y96 t1_j6ko8xb wrote

You get it my man ? Don't have to abandon the car what kinda car is it ?

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Clegacy t1_j6kpmnu wrote

OP can I get your Paypal. DM me

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Yaldeh t1_j6krgxz wrote

Do you still need help? I have a 300 piece socket set and can help ya

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husky429 t1_j6kwwf9 wrote

Not sure if you're still in need but you can borrow tools from an autoparts store for free! I had to do that before when my brother had taken my.jack without telling me.

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justagay27 t1_j6kz443 wrote

This makes me so sad. I'm wondering how OP is managing car insurance in CT 💀

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weirdomagnet99 t1_j6l171d wrote

You’ll need the spare on first so you can get there, but after that, Town Fair Tire will most likely fix the flat for free. If the tire is completely done for, I have a tire for you in good shape if you need it. Not sure if it’ll be the right size, but feel free to hmu and we can figure it out.

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HandsomeDevil77 t1_j6l2ffv wrote

Let me know if you're still stuck and send me your PayPal.

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bbyduck21 t1_j6lar20 wrote

Hey OP I hope you got it all worked out by now :( sending luck your way my friend

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crazybipolarbabe t1_j6lkka5 wrote

Just seeing this post OP. Let us know how it worked out. I have a mechanic in Southington who will come help if you're still in need.

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mdfromct t1_j6lpodu wrote

Replying to Adventurous_Air2867 (#1,624,364)

Hopefully you have car insurance? If you do, call and get Roadside Assistance added on. It’s very inexpensive and just like AAA. Could be as low as three or four dollars a month.

They won’t let you use it right away. They may make you wait 24 hours or so. It depends on the company.

Also, someone posted on the sub that they know a mechanic in Southington that will come and help you tomorrow for free.

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Terrifinglybeautiful t1_j6lsiyz wrote

A lot of kindness on here 🥲 God bless any and all of you who helped or tried to! 🙌🏻🙏

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oprahlikescake t1_j6lt6uj wrote

Replying to crazybipolarbabe (#1,645,572)

Comment from your history:

> People don't understand stupid people like you. Go ahead, block me like you blocked everyone else who doesn't agree with your level of stupidity. You're the one who needs more education. Shut up.

I think we figured out who's the nasty one here. xD

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crazybipolarbabe t1_j6lwilz wrote

Replying to [deleted] (#1,648,611)

He did accept help and he expressed he didn't want to ask money of anyone. Also, two people went out there to help him, but they weren't able to because they didn't have the right tools. Have a splendid night.

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mianrezooy t1_j6m0gkd wrote

I hope you got your issue with the tire solved. Many people in here offered money and sent money.

People gave ideas of driving slowly to one of the stores for help.

I know when something like this happens you feel discouraged and people in public don’t want to help.

But you also have to be able to maneuver through all the manure. You have a phone. It was a very good idea to post to this sub-Reddit. The help here was plentiful. 🤙🏼🤙🏼

With the help of whatever was sent you your PayPal you should’ve been able to fix the tire.

Why would you abandon your car/place you sleep?

I hope you got the tire fixed and also hope you’re able to find a place to stay this weekend. There’s good people out there. Be thankful !

Also, there’s jobs out there if you’re able to work. Hope you can have a better outlook on things because you will be more progressive.

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RoundPlum t1_j6m3vt7 wrote

211 is absolutely useless I'm letting everybody know that but I think your best bet is if you haven't gotten out of there explain your situation to the person that owns the parking lot.

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Upstairs-Sky7015 t1_j6mjtpq wrote

People that’s a scam , a dude tried to get money from hundreds of people on FB with the exact same story and excuses . Scam alert

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Reverentmalice t1_j6mk2xd wrote

It looks like multiple people went to help. I hope everything was resolved.

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jules13131382 t1_j6mkix5 wrote

This is really sweet you guys. That so many people are willing to help 😊

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showmeyourtardisCT t1_j6n4j7j wrote

Replying to [deleted] (#1,644,222)

Or and not saying this is the case, just lending some insight. Perhaps OP might have debilitating mental health issues, autism, or just shell shocked from life. Not everyone can be as pragmatic as most. I do agree that it's lame that no update as given ( I was the original helper) especially after many offered help and solutions but who knows what happened. While Noble, not sure if sending him Venmo would be the right move. I would hope that he did the right thing with the cash but something about him gave me the feeling that he might be in recovery or actively engaged in some sort of opiate use. I dunno

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Loyaljr t1_j6n5he5 wrote

I don’t understand why you would want to abandon your car because of a flat tire and that’s where you sleep I’m totally lost on that idea and makes no sense. Something seems like it’s not adding up

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stultifera-navis t1_j6nmw6o wrote

He shouldn’t be stuck. I bought a jack and a lug wrench for him at the autozone which was confirmed picked up.

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erriiiic t1_j6p2xel wrote

Pretty sure I just saw you on my street getting a jump.

I was homeless in CT for 3 1/2 years but over in the Simsbury/Avon area. The coldest I was ever in was -13° and never left my car running to stay warm while I slept. Summers were actually a lot harder to survive in.

I don’t have the means to help you but some things you should do if you can…

Get a PO Box and forward all your mail from your previous physical address to the PO Box through USPS. This makes getting a job easier.

Get a YMCA membership for low income. Use it to shower.

Go to the library when you have no where else to go to stay warm.

Buy a cheap down sleeping bag from Walmart but wrap it around you unzipped because body heat leaks through the zipper teeth. Tuck your undershirt into your pants to keep body heat in.

Call the local Social Services for surrounding towns to see if they can help you with anything. Sometimes they’ll even have food to give.

Never sleep with your car running.

Try r/vandwellers for survival tips.

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