Miss C.
With the outrageous increases in fuel costs this fall, many towns/cities/states are offering help with heating expenses to people in need. Contact your local agencies and see what is available.

If you new-found poverty is the result of natural disaster, find out what help is available both to cover losses and expenses but also to find employment.

If you can explain your current circumstances - illness? job loss? divorce? - you will get more specific info from people who have been there.

Good luck,
SINS