How do you handle bills on unemployment? after 5 years as a recruiter

My income is now a fraction of what it was as a recruiter and I am trying to cover the essentials. There are 5 people counting on me, so I am trying to be careful. The rent is fixed and the car payment is high. What helped you?

I called each lender and asked for a hardship plan. Two agreed to lower payments for a few months.