Hi Faithchaser!
You know it does really suck when our emotions become our enemy. Someone told me once that the driving emotion behind anger is almost always Fear. I think thats very true in my case. Just knowing that has helped me straighten out my emotions...I too have taken a credit hit, and am trying to unravel the damage one bill at a time. I have a big dog and renting was a scary thing for me...try renting from a private landlord...not a bix complex...or network...ask friends to spead the word that you are looking, maybe someone has a place they need to rent! Also, unless you have debt showing on your credit report to a landlord or apartment complex, I am finding it doesnt really matter how low my score is...try and take a deep breath and take it one thing at a time...
