EDIT: Thank you so much for the outpour of support. I greatly appreciate all the help. I can ensure my kids have a good week while I work to get things back together. I love this community and each and every one of you people.

Like most people on this community, I really never wanted to make one of these posts, but my financial situation is getting dire. I woke up knowing it was going to be bad, but my account is in the negative by hundred of dollars...and I don't know what to do. I don't mind denying myself of things, but I am the primary caregiver of six year old twins, and I don't ever want them to suffer because of my situation. I will go into detail about my situation, below, but I just wanted to preface by saying I am a graphic designer, and I am willing to work for anything. I just want to keep the roof over our heads. Obviously, if you cannot give, please do not feel compelled to do so.

To give some background, my twins do have a mother, and she lives about 25 miles away from me. In our divorce, she won primary custody, and she gets $2000 a month from me in child support. She comes from a very wealthy family, and basically took everything from me in the divorce 3 years ago by simply outspending me. I was left with no choice to declare bankruptcy in 2020 because my credit card bills used from paying my lawyer were drowning me. She also makes way more than me. However, for the past year, she has basically shirked her responsibilities as a mother. She usually only keeps the children 1-2 days a week, while she lives in a 5 bedroom house and I live in a 2 bedroom apartment with 4 cats. I have a friend who does family law, and we are gearing up to fight her to at least get the child support dropped...but, as of now, I am bleeding dry.

I have been keeping the wheels turning by doing what everyone does. Move bills around, let my account dip negative to keep the lights on, take advance from my paycheck to pay rent...but I always knew time was going to run out. My kids go to school a quarter mile from their mom's house, but 25 miles away from me. My office, that I have to go to daily, is an hour away from their school. My daily commute is 100 miles. I have to get gas constantly. My toll bills are so bad that if I get pulled over, they will impound my car. I just feel like I cannot get ahead in life.

About a year ago, a had a partner that made thing easier...but it turns out they lied to me about their past, and they are now serving at least 10 years in prison for serious crimes prior to our meeting.

This week, I have to come up with money to pay bills and rent, and it's just not going to be there. I have basically sold everything I own that is solely for me, while leaving small things that bring my kids joy. I don't want to tell their mother that I cannot afford my children, as that would destroy me in court.

I don't know what I am asking for, truly...just a little help? I know it is hard to ask for help, and even harder to admit why, but I am just at a loss. After I post this, I am going to try to see if I can connect with old freelance clients to get some quick work. I just want to get my rent and bills taken care of, while ensuring my kids have food. I'll steal food from the cats if needed. Thank all of you if you read this far, I apologize for the stream of consciousness, but I couldn't sleep last night due to anxiety. now, I feel like a zombie.