Can Hoarding and Homelessness Be Connected?

Did you know that hoarding and homelessness can be related? Hoarding is when people have trouble throwing things away, and their homes get really messy. This can lead to big problems, like getting evicted and not having a place to live. In this blog, we’ll look at how hoarding can sometimes cause homelessness and what we can do to help.

Understanding Hoarding Disorder

Hoarding disorder is when people find it tough to let go of things, even if they don’t need them. They get really attached to their stuff, even if it is worthless, and feel anxious or worried about getting rid of it. As time goes on, their homes become full of clutter, making it unsafe and hard to live there.

The Cycle of Hoarding and Homelessness

1. Money Troubles: Hoarding can cost a lot of money because people keep buying things they don’t really need. This can make it hard for them to pay for their home and other important things, which can lead to money problems and, eventually, eviction and homelessness.
2. Losing Their Homes: Hoarding can damage a home so much that it becomes impossible to live in. Trash and clothing often get stacked to the ceiling. When this happens, the people living there might have to leave and end up without a place to stay.
3. Feeling Alone: Hoarding can make people feel ashamed and embarrassed, so they stay away from their friends and family. Feeling lonely like this can make it harder for them to ask for help when they need it, making them more likely to become homeless.
4. Feeling Sad and Stressed: Hoarding is often linked to feeling very sad or stressed all the time. If these feelings aren’t taken care of, it might be tough for someone to keep their home, and they could end up homeless.
5. Hard to Get Help: Some people with hoarding disorder are scared to ask for help because they worry about what others might think. Others have no idea where to start, so they often have no alternative to leave their home.

Ways to Keep Hoarders from Becoming Homeless

1. Early Help and Support: It’s really important to notice hoarding disorder early on to stop it from getting out of control. We need more people who understand why hoarding happens and can help with hoarding problems to support those who need it.
2. Working Together: People from different groups, like housing, mental health, community helpers, and professional hoarding cleanup companies should team up to help those who might lose their homes because of hoarding. They can make plans to give support, often clean up the property, or help find housing assistance.
3. Housing First Approach: Let’s focus on finding homes for people without making it too hard for them to get one. Once they have a stable home, they can get help for their hoarding problems.
4. Let’s Learn More: By teaching everyone about hoarding and how it can lead to homelessness, we can stop people from feeling ashamed or misunderstood. This way, more people with hoarding disorder might ask for help when they need it.

Conclusion

Hoarding and homelessness can sometimes be connected, but there are ways we can help. By understanding hoarding disorder and offering early support, we can prevent it from causing homelessness. Working together and providing stable housing can make a big difference in helping those affected by hoarding and homelessness live safer, heathier, and happier lives.