[anonu]

> in the United States, how quickly your life can turn to shit,

This is true, unfortunately. There is minimal social safety net in the USA for people like OP. This is partly due to the very independent, self-determination mindset that has pervaded in the US since its founding. US values hard work and perseverance. The moment you cannot work, you are treated poorly and are a second class citizen.

Showing you are willing to work, even if it's slow, is worth a lot. So I certainly echo the sentiments in other comments, start small and stay consistent.