How do I handle a long gap on my résumé? (Buffalo)

I have been out of work for 5 months and worry about the gap. There are 11 people counting on me, so I am trying to be careful. I have done some volunteering and a course during that time. Did anyone get past it?

Thanks for writing this out. I went through something close to it last year, and it got easier once I kept a simple log of every call and form.