The Downtown Mission is feeling the pinch when it comes to high hydro rates.
Executive Director, Ron Dunn, says recent expansions have led to increased bills for the operation...that's combined with more people using the Mission because they can't afford to pay their hydro bills.
Dunn says it's a vicious cycle.
"People living in poverty, it's just knocking them down. There's less choice now. So people are living in sub-standard dwellings even as a result of hydro rates. That correlation, people don't talk about or don't even think about, but it's the trickle down effect and it's really hurting a lot of folks."
He says they used to serve about 1,100 people a month...that number has grown to 800 a week.
"We're seeing a lot of new faces that are saying, "Look, I've got to make a choice here. If you help me I can make a choice and pay at least partial hydro so it won't get shut off". So a lot more fear in people's voices and in people's situations where they're on the brink and they're looking to the Mission to help them stay afloat."
Dunn says seniors on a fixed income are having trouble as well.
"It's a sad reality, but we've got older folks coming in who should be enjoying their golden retirement years. Instead they're worried about hydro, food and medicine. The cost of all those and choosing, one month I'll get my medicine, the next month I'll pay some hydro and you guys can help me with groceries. So that's a problem."
Hydro costs are affecting food banks across the province as well.
The Ontario Association of Food Banks has called on the Liberal government to boost hydro assistance, particularly for struggling families.