This could end up a cascade of decisions as you have read.

i will assume the axle is broken- with the age, a good chance the hub races are toast too.

a bike co- op, a donor bike, all could be the lowest cost route butane take time.

tge Velomine wheels if still on offer would be difficult to beat but will require new tires, tubes, rim strips, freewheel and most probably a new chain. Old freewheel +