Goodwill employees in Toronto say they're in dire straits after the organization shuttered 26 outlets in the region and locked out 430 workers.

Many of the charity's employees lived pay-cheque-to-paycheque and fear that they won't be able to cover next month's expenses.

"(The) horror of being homeless with my two grandchildren, my husband, my son and my daughter," said Raphelia Debee, who has worked for the company for nine years, explaining her worries.

"I can't pay my rent, if (Goodwill) doesn't pay us this Friday."

Employees gathered alongside union heads in Toronto on Wednesday to express their concerns. Goodwill Industries Toronto abruptly ceased operations on Sunday, saying its 16 stores and 10 donation centres would "remain closed until further notice."

CEO Keiko Nakamura said Monday that the charity was facing a "cash-flow crisis" caused by a combination of increased competition, high rent costs and fewer donations during certain parts of the year.

The union says it has been approached by a number of investors looking to take over operations, and that it has passed this information on to Goodwill.

But it is also pressuring the non-profit to reveal what's in store for its employees, their final paycheques and potential severance packages.

"Please help us … we need help," said eight-year employee Kausar Hammad.

"We're asking for the truth. At least give us an answer. Say something to us.

Brian Dollimore, who has worked at Goodwill for more than 30 years, says that if he gets Friday's paycheque it would at least help keep him afloat for a few more months.

"I got enough to pay one more month's rent," he said.

"At least if I get paid Friday, I can pay two month's rent."

Their problems could also get worse down the road, as workers don't receive any official paperwork, making it impossible for them to file for employment insurance.

The union is also asking for Nakamura to step down.

"I'm sorry there's something wrong with your management skills, because in my world, you give me something for free and I sell it -- I'm going to have money in pocket," said James Nickle, a union steward and truck driver for the organization.

Goodwill reported making just over $28 million in 2014, but that was exceeded by its expenditures of more than $29 million. That includes Nakamura's $230,000 in salary with benefits factored in.

And only Nakamura remains, after the charity's board of directors resigned en masse on Friday.

The CEO was formerly employed in the same capacity by the Toronto Community Housing Corporation, but was fired in 2011 following a spending and expense scandal.

CTV News reached out to Nakamura on Wednesday, but did not receive a response

While the union waits to get a response from Goodwill's management, it is hoping to hear from the provincial government.

It sent a letter to Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne on Wednesday.

A GoFundMe account has been set up to raise money for frontline workers who may be left without jobs due to the closures. Donations can be made online.

With a report from CTV Toronto's Janice Golding