Television has made hoarding into prime time entertainment. But hoarding is serious business that can last a lifetime – a mental health disorder that may touch over 1 million people in the US. Often families are torn apart, friends are alienated and marriages suffer. Researches are only now beginning to understand the problem.
Pierce County’s Community Connections Aging and Disability Resource Center and Clutter Cutters, in cooperation with the Pierce/King County Hoarding Task Force, will offer “Hoarding: The Hidden Problem – Exposed,” a presentation on hoarding: the facts and myths, its causes and conditions, community resources and remedies and what families can do.
“While television has brought hoarding into our living rooms,” said Aaron Van Valkenburg, Manager of Pierce County Aging & Disability Resources, “the fact is that the problem and the solutions are much more complicated than any one-hour program can show. Behaviors are developed over many years and the legitimate and lasting cures will also take years to progress. It’s important for families and friends to go beyond the surface and look long and hard at the problem and the remedies.”
“Hoarding: The Hidden Problem – Exposed” will be held six times in January 2016:
- Jan. 12 – 6:30 p.m. at the University Place Library, 3609 Market Place W. in University Place
- Jan. 13 – 12:10 p.m. at the County-City Building, 7th floor, 930 Tacoma Ave. in Tacoma
- Jan. 13 – 6:30 p.m. at the Graham Library, 9202 224th St. E. in Graham
- Jan. 15 – 12:10 p.m. at the Pierce County Annex, 2401 S. 35th St. in Tacoma
- Jan. 20 – 6:30 p.m. at the Sumner Library, 1116 Fryar Ave. in Sumner
- Jan. 23 – 9:30 a.m. at the Soundview Building, 3602 Pacific Ave. S. in Tacoma
Many of the stereotypes surrounding hoarding are off base. They typically distort the problem as much as the solution. There are many kinds of hoarding and these are often hidden from view by family and friends or masked by rationalizations or denials. People who hoard are from all education backgrounds, economic situations and professions. But they all have certain key commonalities. This free workshop will help identify hoarding behaviors, provide an understanding of the disorder and a look at the solutions and resources available in Pierce County.
“Hoarding: The Hidden Problem – Exposed” is free and open to the public. No RSVP is required. For more information call (253) 798-4600. In case of inclement weather call (253) 798-8787 for possible postponement or cancellation.
