I've been to NYC twice. New Yorkers are unbelievably kind to tourists. I've honestly never met people so friendly and helpful.

Sorry, I meant meds. I'll edit.

People have given great references and advice but I just want to add a few things:

You're doing a great job of building your future. School, work, a daughter - all those things are wonderful. Please know that you're doing all the right things and headed in the right direction.

Resources:

• School financial aid depts often have loans for emergencies. If you go in and tell them that $500 was stolen, they may be able to give you a loan. You'll have to advocate for yourself and ask for that - tell them you've heard that emergency financial help might be available, and ask if there's anything they can do for you.
• Religious organizations often provide financial and other help. Even if you aren't Jewish or Catholic, you can go say that you are or that you were raised in that religion and let them know you're turning to them for help.
• If you're not already on WIC or whatever food stamps are called in NYC, apply for those. It doesn't matter that you're working.
• You can call 211 to be referred to places that can help prevent homelessness by giving emergency rent money. Your school's financial aid office might also be able to refer you to lots of financial programs like this. They may also help with childcare programs.
• Sign up for Christmas gift programs for kids, and holiday food, etc. You're surrounded by a community that wants to help. Let them help.
• If you need to work less, apply for temporary disability. It will probably pay 60% of your income. You can even apply for that just for working fewer hours.
• Meds help. Friends help. Laughter helps. Don't turn away anything that helps.
• If you can get away from the relative who stole from you, do so. Try to stop interacting with anyone in your life who's toxic. Not always possible, but guard yourself from them as much as you can.

Avoiding being 5150'd:

You'll be asked if you have a plan to commit suicide. If you don't, you won't be 5150'd. They want to know if you want to commit suicide, if you have a plan, and if you have a means to carry out that plan. (Same for hurting others.) You can talk about feelings of despair, panic, the feeling that you shouldn't exist. Also talk about what brings you out of it, like thinking of your daughter. They won't force you to go to a psych center, they'll talk to you and help you.

Long-term:

School full time, work part time, single parenting, NYC... not gonna lie, that's a lot. An awful lot. Think about if there are any ways to slow the pace. School part time, more child care help, disability instead of work... there might not be solutions, there probably aren't ideal solutions, but consider possibilities and ask around for help.

You've achieved a lot so far, and 10 years from now you'll look back and be proud of what you're achieving now. I wish you the best.