So in 5 days you haven't been able to find any time at all during daylight hours (during the month with the most light) to go to her place? Wow.

I really feel for this poor woman. You're the person she is trusting the most right now.... She must be feeling humiliated along with the depression. I can't imagine having no one to ask to get something from my home, then reaching out to the person I was closest to, and having them not help.

I don't understand how you have known this woman since the 90s yet are still unwilling to step up when she obviously really needs a friend. It's not like you've known her casually for a month. You've known her ages, your sister offered to loan her money which means she is also a family friend.... And you write a blog together. Between you and your sister I truly don't understand how you can't get her chequebook for her. It's really a small thing to ask of someone but is a huge need for her right now.