Grand Rapids Area Hoarding Taskforce

The Grand Rapids Area Hoarding Taskforce (GRAHT) is made up of public and private organizations . We work to:

  • Raise public awareness and provide education 
  • Employ best practices and client-centeredness
  • Maintain a safe minimal standard of living
  • Keep individuals in their own homes and prevent displacement

We strive to improve quality of life and housing safety through collaboration. We coordinate resources in the Greater Grand Rapids community to help individuals navigate a cluttered environment.

 

These great organizations partner with the Grand Rapids Area Hoarding Taskforce:

  • Adult Protective Services for the State of Michigan                
  • Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan
  • Child Protective Services for the State of Michigan
  • City of Grand Rapids Attorney's Office & 61st District Court              
  • City of Grand Rapids Code Compliance           
  • City of Grand Rapids Fire Department               
  • City of Grand Rapids Police Department
  • Executive Containers, LLC
  • Fair Housing Center of West Michigan
  • Home Repair Services
  • Grand Valley State University
  • Kent County Animal Control                   
  • Kent County Health Department
  • Kent County Senior Millage
  • Legal Aid of West Michigan
  • Moxie Life Organizing, LLC
  • Senior Neighbors
  • Western Michigan University

What is Hoarding Disorder?

Hoarding disorder is a mental health disorder nationally recognized by the DSM-V (2013) and DSM-V TR (2022). Individuals who display hoarding behavior struggle with the persistent difficulty getting rid of or parting with items due to a perceived need to save all items, regardless of monetary value. Usually, individuals who display hoarding tendencies save these items in excess.

Hoarding disorder can be displayed as a separate disorder or in combination with other disorders. Frequently, individuals who are diagnosed with hoarding disorder also have diagnosis of:

  • Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCD)
  • Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADD/ADHD)
  • Depression
  • Anxiety

Learn more from the American Psychiatric Association here.

Signs of hoarding

  • Difficulty with discarding possessions
  • Difficult getting around the house due to accumulation of items
  • Floor and counter space within common areas of the home used as storage space
  • Social isolation
  • Excessive collecting of items
  • Living spaces not being used as intended due to clutter
  • Experiencing distress when attempting to get rid of items

Hazards of hoarding

  • Poor health and living conditions
  • Pest infestations
  • Trip hazards or falling objects
  • Improper removal of trash and waste
  • Increased fire hazard due to clutter
  • Blocked entrances and exits

Measuring hoarding activity

We measure the severity of hoarding using the scale from the Institute for Challenging Disorganization. Find out more about measuring hoarding here(PDF, 115KB).

Hoarding Statistics

Approximately 2.6% of the population displays hoarding behaviors, growing closer to 6% in adults over the age of 60 and in individuals with other mental health diagnoses.These statistics remain the same across all cultures and genders.

Although hoarding disorder is not completely preventable, it is manageable. Through the implementation of the Grand Rapids Area Hoarding Taskforce, we have been able to provide early intervention and harm reduction to individuals who display hoarding tendencies. 

Make a Referral

Do you know of someone who may need help? Reach out to us by emailing hoarding@grcity.us or by calling (616) 456-3460. Please include a description of your concerns in your message.

How to Help

Decluttering can be a difficult process; however, it is doable with a respectful approach. Here are some do's and don'ts for speaking with an individual who displays hoarding behaviors. 

Do

  • Provide your full attention and listen without judgement
  • Focus on the individual'strengths and goals
  • Use an empathetic approach
  • Recognize and acknowledge all progress, large and small

Don't:

  • Be judgmental
  • Ridicule or criticize the individual
  • Exaggerate consequences
  • Belittle their feelings
  • Be afraid to seek professional help

Make a Referral

Do you know of someone who may need help? Reach out to us by emailing hoarding@grcity.us or by calling (616) 456-3460. Please include a description of your concerns in your message.

Adult & Child Protective Services

Report elder or child abuse by calling Centralized Intake at (855) 444-3911.

The intake specialist will provide further instruction on how to complete your referral.

Contact Us

Grand Rapids Area Hoarding Taskforce

 

Email

hoarding@grcity.us

Phone

616-456-3460

Resources

Kent County Senior Services

The Kent County Senior Millage provides funding for a wide variety of senior services. Please review this directory(PDF, 464KB) to see what may interest you. Contact the Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan for more information (616) 456-5664 or (888) 456-5664.

 

Clutter-Hoarding Scale

Many factors are considered when rating the severity and risk of hoarding conditions. The Institute for Challenging Disorganization provides this clutter-hoarding scale(PDF, 115KB) to provide a standard metric for assessing conditions.

 

Brochures

GRAHT Brochure for Clients(PDF, 175KB)

GRAHT Brochure for Agencies(PDF, 303KB)

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