for you. i know where you are at, mama. we have an income of $0 right now, and have had for months.i know you said your phone is disconnected, but i'm guessing that there is a friend or family member who's phone you can use. if anyone in your family has a medical condition (severe asthma, epilepsy, heart problems, anything like that), you can try to get the phone company to reinstate your phone b/c you need it to be able to contact the dr/hospital if something should happen. you may need a letter from the dr about this.
first things first though, you need to have food and a roof over your head. if you don't know where the local food pantry is, call the salvation army, or st. vincent de paul, if they have a branch in your area. or start calling nearby churches, if you don't have a regular one that you go to. if there is a church you go to, contact them first. you don't have to give them all the details of your situation if you aren't comfortable with it, just explain that you need help with food and rent and where can you go to find it. food pantries often have a list of #s they can give you for finding help in other areas, such as rent, credit counseling, electricity, etc.
contact your department of human services. call your local county office and ask if they have a program for emergency help (food stamps, housing, medical), which they should. if you have a child/ren under the age of 5 or if you are pregnant, call the local WIC office. they will help with food and can give you a list of other places to go for help.
call your credit card company and explain your situation. sometimes they will reduce your payments, or even suspend a payment for a month or 2. but you have to call them, not just let it go. if you are up front about your situation they usually try to work with you.
as far as car repairs... ask around to see where people go that they trust, and then start calling around and see if there is any place that is willing to work out a payment plan with you, or even some sort of barter deal. who knows? you might just find a mechanic who's baby-sitter just quit or who's dog walker moved away! or ask your friends and family if there is anyone they know who might be willing to work on your car for free or cheap.
start going though your house with an eye to what can be sold. clothing, jewelry, books, electronics, stamp or baseball card collections, craft stuff... anything that is not absolutely needed or a cherished heirloom! have a yard sale. or craigslist it. for jewelry, see if there is someone in the area who will give you a free appraisal. same for any collectors items you might have. (a friend of mine found an envelope full of uncanceled stamps from germany, world war II era, among things from her deceased grandma... she had them appraised and they were worth several hundred dollars!)
is there anyone in your family/circle of friends whom you could borrow from? maybe just enough to get your phone turned on and/or rent paid? i know it stinks to borrow money, but i tell you what, we'd be on the streets right this second if it weren't for family and friends help.
most important is this: take a deep breath and remind yourself that you will get thru this. go for a walk or a bike ride that doesn't have a purpose, or just toss a blanket out in the yard and lie down for awhile. have faith in whatever you personally believe in that things will all work out.
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's for you, mama, and remember, we are always here for you!
