Need hot water for washing, bathing

First indication of a problem was some water on floor of garage on Saturday.   Today no hot water and constant flowing water, no shutoff without turning off for whole house.


Thought maybe it was just a small leak at first and was going to relite the Pilot Lite.


Took off the cover and see that water is running steadily down over the pilot area.  


We just had to declare bankruptcy to keep our house and just had our hearing and approval of the plan.   Any new debt has to be approved by the court.

Called several plumbing companies and we are looking at $1,225.00 to $1,600.00 to replace this thing.   Tried for financing from several plumbing companies and no go on financing.

The reason it is so high to replace the Water Heater is it is very old.  It would need to be brought up to code.

At this time we have 2 Disabled Senior Citizens and on 1 Handicapped person, all without hot water.

 This being the case we are need of funds as soon as possible.  It's cold outside and we cannot bathe or wash.

Any help towards this goal would be appreciated.  We would like to at least get this done by Wednesday, December 20, 2017.