Grand Rapids Area Hoarding Taskforce

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 (ADHD)
• Depression
• Anxiety

Learn more about the consequences, causes, risks, and treatment of hoarding disorder here according to the American Psychiatric Association.

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. 

How to Help

When assisting individuals with hoarding tendencies, it’s important to approach the situation with sensitivity, respect, and understanding. The following “Dos” and “Don’ts” provide helpful guidelines for offering support in a way that promotes trust, safety, and positive change. These recommendations are designed to ensure that assistance is effective, compassionate, and considerate of the individual’s needs and emotions.

Do's

• Approach with Empathy: Be patient, non-judgmental, and respectful when engaging with the individual.
• Listen Actively: Understand their concerns and reasons for hoarding without interrupting.
• Offer Support, Not Control: Encourage collaboration and let them make decisions at their own pace.
• Provide Clear, Practical Resources: Share information on local services, mental health professionals, and support groups.
• Encourage Small Steps: Help them set management goals for decluttering and organizing.
• Respect Their Privacy: Understand that some belongings may hold deep emotional value.

Don'tS

• Don’t be Critical or Dismissive: Avoid making negative comments about their belongings or situation.
• Don’t Force Change: Avoid pushing them to part with items before they are ready.
• Don’t Make Decisions for Them: Let the individual have control over what stays or what goes.
• Don’t Rush the Process: Understand that overcoming hoarding behaviors can take time and patience.
• Don’t Ignore Mental Health Aspects: Recognize hoarding may be linked to underlying emotional or psychological issues that require professional support.
• Don’t Enable the Behavior: While being supportive, avoid inadvertently encouraging further hoarding.

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

Adult Protective Services aims to assist vulnerable persons aged 18 and older who are unable to take the steps necessary to protect themselves from abuse, neglect, or exploitation. Adult Protective Services’ mission is to investigate reports, provide support, and connect individuals with necessary services to enhance their safety and wellbeing. 

Child Protective Services aims to ensure the safety and wellbeing of children by investigating reports of abuse or neglect, providing support to families, and working to protect children from harm while promoting stable, healthy environments for their growth and development. 

Contact Centralized Intake at (855)444-3911 to speak with a specialist and complete a referral for an adult or a child you suspect to be vulnerable to abuse or neglect. 

Network180

Offers adult, children, and youth crisis intervention. 

Ph: (616)336-3909

Fountain Hill Center

Supports personal and relational wellbeing through innovative therapeutic, educational, evaluative, and consultative services. 

Ph: (616)456-1178

Clutter’s Anonymous

Fellowship of compulsive clutterers who practice a 12-step and 12-tradition program. 

Ph: (866)402-6685