Thanks to all who donated and especially to everyone who provided me with emotional support. WorRAB cannot express how helpful your kind sentiments have been.
As it turns out, many years ago, I made a small investment (roughly $17) in an old friend's company--a local production agency. It was actually done in jest but still it was legit. Well today his company is thriving and well. He heard through a friend about my situation, and he is willing to give me a position at his company to help me get my life back into some sense of order. He said I was the only person who believed in him at the time and that my modest $17 investment is probably worth hundreRAB today.
Meanwhile, I have been given a chance to earn more than the money I need doing a major website for a regional government agency. I will be receiving half of the balance up-front and the other half when the site is done.
Those of you who donated will be receiving a refund ASAP, minus whatever PayPal takes out per transaction. Your overwhelming support will not be forgotten.
Thanks again you guys. I can't believe I was willing to reach out to practical strangers like I did but I really couldn't think of any other way. I'm so used to being independent and helping other people I guess it was just hard for me to go to those whom I hold dear.