I have student loan debt and have been out of work a few times. I would call up Direct Loans and see if you can still refinance your debt with the Federal Government. I have done it a few times to get the loans first out of the private organization and then to get a lower interest rate. It was a simple process of just refilling out a promissory note. Assuming you can still do this, the Federal Government is very flexible on payments and being out of work. You can get a forbearance for financial hardship for a significant period of time. Also, they have some very low payment plans that you can switch to when the forbearance period runs out, so that you can meet your obligations but be okay while you are doing it.
I don't know about private organizations, but if you can't refinance, you might see what kind of deal they can work out with you. I refinanced initially a private loan when I was out of work and wasn't getting much help from the private organization, and I have been thankful on multiple occasions that I did so.
My point is that you may be able to avoid default by just working the system. Then, you can focus on saving your house or perhaps getting it sold, so you can downgrade your living situation.