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I'm also located in DC.
I got laid off 6 months ago and am struggling with the same thing. The only opportunities I've made it past the second interview for have all been temporary positions. I haven't even been offered one of those yet, but if I am, I'll probably take it and think you should too. Even if it's a short term role, just having something on your resume to break up the employment gap should benefit you down the road. It might be worth looking into some temp/staffing agencies in your area if you're having a tough go of it on your own.
I've connected with agencies and I know there are jobs I'm able to do and what the companies are searching for, but recruiters have not returned calls, ghosted, or answered emails, because they are too busy. Then maybe a recruiter isn't for him/her. If a good doctor can handle the stress and the ability to communicate and answer patients' questions by email or text, you should too. Recruiters prefer to work with new future employees rather than previous ones, as people have told me to gain more profit.
Unfortunately, it is difficult when there are gaps and multiple short jobs in a row. The last time I was hiring for a Jr admin I had to fight to give someone an interview when their resume was as you described. Others in the hiring process (HR, office manager) just assumed that they were either not good employees or just a job hopper. It all started around covid and there were long term jobs before then (5+ years) at each so I wanted to hear more as their resume looked good as far as skills. In the end she was a good candidate but had it been up to others it would have been an immediate pass.
As for how to help when someone has a resume like that and getting noticed, I wish I knew how to help. It's a bias that's hard to work around.