How did Americans attempt to survive the Great Depression despite a lack of government assistance? Responses Many survived by working together as a community, growing gardens, using available resources to sew clothing, and turning to local charities for help. Many survived by working together as a community, growing gardens, using available resources to sew clothing, and turning to local charities for help. Many survived by emigrating to other countries and applying for unemployment compensation in those nations. Many survived by emigrating to other countries and applying for unemployment compensation in those nations. Many survived by turning to "Hoovervilles" for necessary household goods and resources such as food and fuel. Many survived by turning to "Hoovervilles" for necessary household goods and resources such as food and fuel. Many survived by securing small business loans and becoming successful entrepreneurs who provided a rugged individualist model for others to follow