The continued power outage after this weekend's storm forced some of the most vulnerable communities in Ottawa to gather together to stay in one place and cooperate.

This includes those living in the high-rises where the hallways remain dark and the elevators are not working.

Patricia Fish, who lives in a high-rise area near Walkley Road and Halifax Drive, said, "We have people going down the stairs helping each other, knocking on doors, and telling people what is happening."

"There are many people in the community sympathetic to us. So we can go to them and knock on someone's door."

Fish said she and her 81-year-old husband have been without power for three days, as it returned briefly on Wednesday before going out again.

She lives on the second floor and was not affected by the elevator outage, but she said it was not easy for everyone in the building.

She said, "This morning I met a woman who came down from the fifteenth floor. She had two small children; that was a big challenge."

"I don't think I can keep going up and down constantly. I would have to move somewhere for a while."

Another major concern is water.

Hazaa Al Nuaimi said he spent some time in a refugee camp before coming to Canada, and the lack of usable water reminded him of those conditions. His family of six lives on the tenth floor.

Al Nuaimi said he might have to move if electricity and water are not restored soon.

Many have reached the breaking point.

Kelly Whiting Riley said, "I'm about to cry now because my son and I are looking for different places to stay every night."

She said they visited friends and family as much as possible, seeking hot water for showers. This ordeal has affected their mental health.

A spokesperson for Hydro Ottawa said its first priority is restoring power to other essential services, such as police, hospitals, or firefighters, so they can help others.

After that, the company tries to provide the greatest benefit to the greatest number of people, including the most vulnerable, according to the spokesperson in an email.

The company spokesperson wrote, "We also have plans ready and are working closely with community housing groups and property managers to support those customers."

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Jim Andrews, Chief of Special Operations at Ottawa Fire Services, said the strategy for dealing with outages has changed. Initially, they dealt with the most affected areas, but now they are assisting residents in the high-rises where elevators or booster water pumps might be out of service.

Andrews said, "I had the opportunity to go to the eastern side." "The neighbor was helping the neighbor, all people united together to provide any assistance they can."

On Thursday, his crew was knocking on doors in the high-rises near Midlands Drive to help fill bathtubs so people could at least get some usable water. They also reminded people to be careful with candles and not to use gas stoves.

He said, "It is important for people to keep in touch if they know vulnerable people in their area and in their building." "Just knock on the door and ask how they are doing, and what their needs are."

Edited by: Dima Abu Khair