mg:

1) no, it's not.

2) tried, and was denied, despite having several verifiable and obvious issues. I was told to "go get" a job from a made-up list of non-existent positions in fields I have no experience in.

3) Even part-time work is very hard to come by for anyone, let alone someone with the issues I have.

Crowhugger:

I understand your points, but the idea of family members supporting us is actually a nice way of saying that there are grandkids involved, and if it weren't for the grandkids, we wouldn't be getting the help we do get. None of my family members are musical; the instruments would mean nothing to them in terms of value and these are not the kinds of people that make loans like you suggest.

I'd call this a "personal growth opportunity", but I have no time to concern myself with ME or what I might learn or whatever through this situation. I am only concerned with making sure our utilities don't get turned off and that we have money to keep the car going so I can keep looking for work.

To amend what I said in my OP, I'm actually NOT feeling sorry for myself. I know that I am working like a slave over this PC to search job listings, Craigslist, whatever, just to find something to help make ends meet. I know that I am doing all I can, so it really doesn't matter if anyone else notices my efforts.

I've just reached the point where NOTHING, including instruments that have meant a lot to me, is off the table when it comes to making money to take care of my wife and kids.