Also sounds like you should not get rid of your PC, unless it helps you acquire a laptop.
> this is the harshest advice I can think of
Good job. Did you stop to think if this was -good- advice?
however, if you want to drill down on it: what is a guy going to do with a pc he needs secure shelter to operate? what kind of decisions is he going to make that protect it? what kind of promises is he going to make and break to his kids when he can't take care of himself?
if they're indeed safe somewhere, get into a position with something to provide. it would be smarter to sell the pc and buy a guitar as at least he can busk with it.
You are right that he needs to ditch the PC, but he needs to ditch it for a laptop.
depression is a terrible disease because it's like an addiction that gnaws at your humanity and makes you a slave to it, and a lot of parents use their kids as enablers and a source of supply. if change were easy, everyone would do it.
laptops are generally more expensive than an old PC, children aren't assets to be used as connections or leverage to get himself out of this situation, they are people he has a responsibility to that he has failed to be able to meet.
nobody has to follow this, but they have to face the possibility and then decide whether it reflects the truth.