Horrible credit - lots of home equity - is a loan possible?

In 2000 I filed for a divorce - my husband & I were in the midst of a Chapter 7 at the time & I had been a stay-at-home mom since 1990.

I had excellent credit before this but I've never been able to fully recover financially due to various financial set-backs (job loss, smaller salary, countless periods of not receiving child-support). For a long time I could barely afford the bare necessities for me & my 4 kids - we even had to start going to the local food pantry!

I've been on one repayment plan after another with my mortgage - seems that soon as things look good financially some expensive car repair or house repair pops up to set me back again.

Anyway....I'm in a better financial position now, but my credit is ruined. The equity in my house is desparetly needed for home repairs & maintenance.

Are there any reputable lenders for someone like me?

I'm familiar with many of the scams out there and am therefore very skeptical of lenders....I would only go with a well-known reputable lender.

Any such thing? Thanks for your help!