Excellent advice Karma Girl,

One more thought to finding a place to reside. If it's impossible to get an apartment, and you live in a temperate climate, another option is a trailer. I know the stigma that goes with that thought, but it has a roof, usually costs little to own and less to rent,most areas that have trailer parks, will have people selling older trailers for little money.and there are always inexpensive rentals available. Like Karma said check with the local government to find out what government assistance is available, this can include section8 housing, or even subsidized housing outside of hud. I know, when I got divorced I lived in subsidized housing. I paid 100. a month for a three bedroom apartment(had two kids). my heat and electric were vouchered. working somewhere else on those days that you aren't scheduled for already will definately fill the gap. you won't be rich but you will be sustainable.
I said definately keep phone service because you can't be reached by prospective employers and renting agents if you don't have access to a telephone. in this day and age, the cell is a blessing. Still hoping for the best for you.

well thank you all for your advice. Brings a tear to my eye it does. We are looking right now for a place to live. Saving money for to deposits is tough but manageable. Work is going to be going back up to 5 days a week soon.

Hopefully everything will be back to normal soon.

But I will say this: come hell or high water, I WILL buy a new bicycle with my tax money. I made a promise to myself and I will not break it.

I would break that promise with yourself and buy what you *need* not what you
*want*.  The easiest way to become debt free is to only spend money on
things that you *want* when you have money left over from things that you
*need*. 

well just 300 of my taxes are going to the bike. the rest to the new apartment.

Ok, time for me to chime in an chastise you too. My bf's mother has credit card companies calling her all the time for their money, but she had money to go to Vegas for New Year's, Pay your bills first! Put that bike on the back burner until you can securely stand on your own two feet. A lot of people have taken a big financial hit in the last 2 years, so you are not alone.

I've had to make sacrifices - all my furniture is in storage and I've moved in with my bf because the economy is so bad. I feel your pain and I that's why I wish you the best of luck on this, but it requires sacrifices. Also, where are your family & friends in all this? If it wasn't for them, I may have been homeless too.

Put that bike on the back burner until you can securely stand on your own two feet.

This bike has been on the back burner for 2 years. I will have the one thing I love in this world: bikes

Also, where are your family & friends in all this? If it wasn't for them, I may have been homeless too.

I am what you would call the black sheep of the family. I have asked many a time but no one will take us in. As for friends, none of them can helped and we would not want to travel down that road again. Got burned last time.

Sorry to hear that.