I’m very sorry about your difficulties. This is not the time to be buying a car, but of course you need transportation. If you were laid off with a bunch of people at your company, a lot of your co-workers may be in the same boat. Perhaps you can exchange child care and split gas / car expenses to help each other out. Another parent in your apartment may be willing to watch your children if you watch his or hers. There are also baby-sitting coops (look online) in many communities where you can trade child care and save money.

I have had to use busses for a job search and while it’s not the most convenient way it can be done. Keep after the state even if you have to go down to your local offices in person. It sounds like you may be eligible for some kind of aid like food stamps, ADC, subsidized child care, or other services. It’s a matter of connecting to the right agencies.

Good luck and I hope you get the help you need.