I hope things work out for you, and it sounds like you are setting up a good support system with your friend’s family. Is there a time limit on their assistance? Will they help you for multiple years if needed? And what happens if they cannot?
Also, will the numbers work out if your family refuses to file future years’ FAFSAs for you? Is there a possibility that they might refuse this? And if they do, that would mean you don’t qualify for federal loans and you also very likely wouldn’t qualify for any private loans without a co-signer. Will the finances work out if you can’t get any loans?
And how many hours would you have to work in order to make your plan feasible?
I am not trying to dissuade you, but trying to understand the logistics, as I have seen many college students post college plans on cc without a comprehensive plan re: finances. (Lots of parents, too).
Also, I am in agreement with other posters that the time to seek out counseling is now.