When a man abandons his offspring it makes you understand how worthless that man actually is. It's definitely the life-altering moment that underscores much of how the world operates. Out of 5 families on our side, 4 are run by women only. I don't know if they get any support or not. I would refuse any monetary support even if my sperm donor were ever to give it. I want nothing to do with him, and that includes his money. I'd send it back if he ever tried to give any. Of course he has never done that. My situation was drastic, worse than most though, because I found out after 9 months of dating him that he's a sociopathic criminal. I had no idea. Once I began getting red flag after red flag, I knew I had to get out. I was lucky because I had my parents help me.

 But I can tell you from personal experience that if I didn't have my parents helping, I'd probably be living on the street. I'd challenge anyone to take care of a baby by themselves, which basically results in getting up every 4 hours to feed it. Then try to go to work a full-time job on very few hours of sleep. I did this for 6 months and basically collapsed due to fatigue. And I'm not even talking about the emotional  toll. I'm only speaking of the physical exhaustion. Without my parents there to help, I definitely would not be healthy today.
Extended families are the best solution for raising children, even if a man is involved. Older people need to feel valued and they are perfect for watching young ones while the able ones can focus on making money. There are three extended families here, and two sisters, both of whom are divorced are helping each other with child care. The community where I live functions more like a tribe and it's stronger than trying to do it on one's own. There's also a young couple who had a child and they live in an extended family as well. Most of the world functions this way and it makes sense on many levels. The fact that my dad has had his life extended maybe 10 years by the existence of his granddaughter, is enough to make me realize that extended families are better than any other situation. Old people need new life around them. 
I never thought I'd be in the situation of being a single mother. Never. That was not the plan. But when the man turns out to be more trouble, draining energy and resources, you have to cut him loose. If he's not adding, then he's subtracting. It's pretty simple.