The Gig Economy is on the rise. I keep seeing posts similar to yours saying "I have been unemployed for a year a longer. How do I fix this?" Meanwhile, I have seen articles that suggest that by 2020, about 40% of the US economy will be gig work/freelancers/contractors and similar.

Let me suggest you look for paid work. You can keep looking for a job too, but just figure out how to get money coming in the door.