I'm not sure about #2, but #1 is generally pretty straightforward. Check the local newspaper, random online services (apartmentfinder comes to mind). I'm not sure what price range you'll be looking at, as it varies widely with area. Check near student housing, even if you aren't a student you can usually get student rates. Most places won't verify.

When I first moved out, my apartment was $600/month. This was about 10 years ago, keep in mind, and in a student area in Denver.

It's not a lot of money, but you can go to a plasma donation center and sign up with them. Most places will give you $25-35 per donation, which mostly entails you lying around for an hour with a needle in your arm while you watch a movie or use your laptop or whatever.

Again, it's not a lot, but when you're unemployed, it's better than nothing.

I know exactly what you're going through... had this happen to myself last year and I still literally have to threaten to sue my parents to keep them in line. Regardless, this isn't about me.

1) Look around in newspapers, online services - just like Tach said, really. Unfortunately I haven't got much experience with looking for a home, so I can't be of much help here.

2) Use your talents... you're a great writer, after all. Look for a job as an editor in the local paper, perhaps open up for commissions if you feel up to it. Don't be afraid to show up somewhere and ask if they're looking for staff.

I really hope things get better for you... in the meantime, try to look up local laws regarding forcing people out - most places in the US require prior notice or in some cases don't allow parents to kick out their children at all without a proper reason to.

Maybe a loan from the bank can help with with #2. Listen to what Tach said for #1.

No matter what, good luck. No one deserves to go through family hell.

When you're poor, Craigslist and the curb are your friends. You can furnish an entire apartment with just things you find off the street or that people are offering to give away, usually under the condition that you're able to haul it without their assistance. Used stuff really helps slash moving expenses.

When you're looking for an apartment, two things should be most important: location (in regards to how close the place is to an area that actually has open job positions) and sanity of roommates. If you can find friends to room with, all the better, but roommates are key, even if they have to be random people you're just meeting who could use another person in the house. The places I've lived out of in Pitt have been about $300 per month split four ways. The singles? $600 a month minimum. So it saves a ton to have roommates.

Some more costs to keep in mind:
Utilities (water, electric, gas; some of these will be free, and some won't, depending on the landlord. If you get a chance to talk to past or current housemates, ask how much these generally average out to be each month).
Cable/Internet
Personal fans/space heaters, because generally, cheap apartments are not well insulated and it's too expensive to run the big household heaters.
Transportation (gotta get food somewhere, and if ya don't have a car, then you'll have to calculate in that 20 minute bus ride to the nearest supermarket.)
Cooking supplies (pots/pans/food/spices/condiments/what-have-you; hard to get these used. :B)

You also might want to ask about:
How safe the area is
How quiet it generally is/if there are particularly noisy days or times (so you can plan around them)
If the other roommates will be up at odd times or have noisy/obtrusive habits (though don't phrase it like that!)
If they have any share-the-workload rules (like you clean the dishes on even numbered days, I'll clean on odd)
If they're asking for a security deposit (because that means more money you have to provide up front)

But this is all stuff you'd ask/look out for once you pinpoint a place. For actually finding it in the first place, Craigslist is still a fine resource, but make sure you meet and spend some time with the roommates before you make any commitments. Don't wanna accidentally move in with a crazy person.

Also, keep in mind that your folks might want ya out just as bad as you want to escape (no offense; I'm sure you're an awesome person!). So being up front might be a good way to get the money fast. Ask for some seed money. A few hundred bucks to get ya out on your own isn't a lot to ask for.

Fortunately I'm moving in with my mate, so the hassle of an unknown roommate isn't too much. xD

But thank you! This is a really, really useful reply and I'll certainly make use of it in my hunt. Thanks a bunch, man!

Of course. :3

If you're desperate for money don't do those online surveys. You'll end up with a ton of spam and frustration.