W.W.
You need to get a job.
You need to go to the welfare office and see what you can get in way of financial help.
You need to get your resume dusted off and get it out there.
You need to see if you qualify for emergency housing.
I would NOT get a one bedroom apartment. People need their privacy.
Stop with worrying about your dating future. Focus on you and your kids right now. Your kids will pick up on your fears. However, you can talk with them and tell them that you're scared - this is a huge change for all of you. YOU WILL MAKE IT...you WILL take care of them. Say NOTHING bad, nasty or mean about their dad. EVER. No matter how much you want to - don't. that's not a burden for them to carry.
Kids will work through the change if YOU don't panic. You panic? They panic. BREATHE!!!
Yes. there is hope! I divorced my ex-husband while we were living in Germany. I was scared to death. But I did it. I got my own apartment. I already had a job - that I lost because it was for "dependent spouses" but got another one right away and was able to pay my rent and such. YOU CAN DO THIS. You just have to make sure your ducks are in a row and get 'er done!!
NEVER GIVE UP!! NEVER SURRENDER!!