HELP Would I be able to get a loan from my credit union to consolidate my rather high (8,000) credit card debt?

First, pay off the electric bill asap. With it out there, you will not get a loan and it could cause your credit card interest rates to be increased. If you cannot pay it off at once, talk to the utility and work out a payment plan to pay it off asap. Then, you can talk to your credit union re a loan but I doubt whether you will get one even then. You need to start paying off your card with the highest interest rate. You need to find a part time job or cut back on your spending. No going out etc. Make payments on your credit cards as early in the month as you can as interest compounds daily. Bankruptcy is not an option for you, I think.