You're speaking about applying for the "Housing Choice Voucher Program" and take it to a private house or apartment unit where a landlord is willing to accept payment from Sec. 8 in full or part for the amount of rent they charge. This is a lot different from "public housing". A landlord has to agree to have his property inspected to make sure it is all up to code per Section 8 standards and can be more difficult than you might think. It is a good idea however to at least apply. Here in Toledo though, the "waiting list" only opens so often. This is from their web page:

LMHA opens its HCV waiting list on an as needed basis. When LMHA determines that the list is to be opened, public notice of the opening will be made in the local newspaper and through such other media as determined necessary to reach potentially eligible households not otherwise likely to apply.

I don't get or read the "local newspaper" and whenever the list opens, I surely miss it. I would literally have to call once a month or something like that to see when they're going to open the list.

**Already applied for HEAP.
**Vets in our area, ha ha. None of them have "reduced clinics" or accept payment plans. I actually lucked into a very good vet last winter when my cat Tommy was ill. Since they were new they had coupons for office exams $15! Plus once I'd built up a little relationship with them and they saw not only that I paid them but how much I cared for Tommy, the one time they did let me "pay them when I get paid on Friday" but it wasn't like a little here, a little there. Sadly, I'm sure vets get ripped off all the time when they trust people.
** I already have an "Obama Phone". It sucks, breaks up and drops calls all the time... but it's free.
** Angel Food Ministries I will check out. Sounds like it might be a little complicated but I will look into it. The problem is that getting a "month's worth of food" doesn't last long with my 350+ pound son in the picture. I even have to hide food so he doesn't eat everything in the house.
** At this time I don't qualify for Medicaid - I have applied for this interim financial assistance while waiting on my SS decision, but from what I understand that can take nearly as long. Until then, I have my healthcare card through the county - it's not "insurance" but rather a collaborative of volunteer doctors that offer services free of charge. They even provide I think... a dozen bus trips free. The problem with that is, if it takes 2 busses to get to the office, then round trip, I've used 4 punches on the card. That would go quickly.

Anyhow thanks MM for all the suggestions.