Need help!

I'm glad I found this forum, makes a very stressful time seem a bit easier. Lots of great information here. I am currently 20k in debt, between credit cards and student loans. I am unemployed and have had a hard time finding a steady job due to the terrible economy here in California. I am living off various side jobs, but that is barely making the normal day to day bills. I have talked to a credit counseling agency, who told me my debts are too far in default and they can't help me, which obviously was not very helpful or encouraging at all. I am constantly being called by collection companies and I want to make things right, but at this point its have a roof over my head and eat or pay off collectors. Is there any hope for me? What is the best plan of attack?
Thank you in advance for any help, guidance, and assistance.