Many people locked in poverty, or those who find themselves in times of crisis, often experience restricted options. They are caught between being able to heat their home, pay their rent, or buy hygiene products. Hygiene poverty can be shaming, humiliating and excluding, and can result in social isolation. It can lead to a lack of confidence, negatively affecting good health and mental wellbeing. This can impact early childhood development, learning, employability, social interaction and increase the likelihood of bullying.
Fort Erie has a higher percentage of people who are over 65 than many other areas in Canada. 23.74% of the population of Fort Erie are over 65, many of whom live on low incomes. This, combined with high rents and low rental availability is a significant problem, and there is no sign that this problem will be solved in the near future.