This resource list is updated often
The Minnesota Hoarding Task Force (“MNHTF”) does not provide services directly. MNHTF provides resources and information regarding the general subject of hoarding. In doing so, MNHTF does not endorse, recommend, warrant or assume any legal liability for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information, apparatus, product, or process.
DOES YOUR BUSINESS WORK WITH PEOPLE WHO HOARD?
As we continue to build our resource list, we want to cover the entire state of Minnesota. If your business already works in hoarded homes or with people who hoard and you would like to be added to our resource list, please come to a meeting and introduce yourself. Email us at mnhtf.org@gmail.com to get an invite to join a meeting.
We would like to learn about what you do, and what your experiences are. It is important to us that you can support our mission statement and vision statement.
Hoarding is a mental health disorder, and those who struggle with it must be treated with respect and care.
Support groups cost less than individual therapy. They offer support and acceptance by others who are struggling with the same issues.
1. In Search Of Peer Leaders for both Buried in Treasures Support Groups and Family -As- Motivators Leaders. We are able to provide a start up kit. Contact us for details.
2. If you are not in the Minneapolis-St Paul metro area, online support groups are still available to you:
3. NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) has several support groups in Minnesota. Check NAMI support groups.
4. LD/A Minnesota (Learning Disabilities/ADHD) offers an adult ADHD support group. If you think you have trouble finishing tasks and staying focused on what you want to get done, check them out here.
They have groups that meet in Roseville and St Paul. You can also join a phone meeting.
Hoarding gets worse over time. It can start in children or young adults. It can become markedly more intense by retirement age.
Hoarding can impact not only the safety of the person who is hoarding, but also any other adults and children in the house, as well as pets. In addition, the safety of neighbors by their proximity can be at risk (for fire and for rodents). Relationships with family typically erode because of disagreements.
The earlier a person gets help with hoarding struggles, the better. But it is never too late to get help. There are a number of ways to improve your life by getting the right kind of help for your situation.
If you are a person who hoards, it will be very helpful to form your own trusted team of supporters and experts who can collaborate with you. Not all these options may be available in your area. Choose options that make sense for the situation.
Cleaning service - Can help with kitchen and bathrooms and possibly floors. The amount of stuff in the house may make it difficult to do more than minimal cleaning early in the process. A thorough cleaning should be done later on.
Professional organizer - Works side-by-side with you, often with one box at a time. Knows what can be recycled, where to donate items. An organizer is not emotionally involved, as family or friends are. Can help form new habits in the home.
Support group - Look for a support group for mental health, ADHD, OCD, or hoarding. Knowing you are not the only one going through this can be very powerful. There may also be a separate support group for family & friends.
Friends - Work with a trusted friend to get more done. Friends can also spend time with you outside of the home to just do normal activities.
Therapist - Helps you work on what you may have been avoiding - the loss or trauma in your past. There is often a connection between the past & the hoarding.
Handyman - Get appliances, electrical issues, house damage, and plumbing repaired.
Occupational therapist - Can teach personal skills to better care for yourself and your home.
Cleanout service - Use when the goal is to quickly remove a lot of material OR when the home is too unsafe for volunteers to work in the home. If a cleanout is necessary, it is very important that the person who has been hoarding has a lot of support because the cleanout will be traumatic.
VA - If you are a veteran, check with your regular contact person. They have a program for special life circumstances that you might qualify for.
Animals cannot speak for themselves, so it is best to do what is right for the animals in the specific situation.
It may be best to report the situation to animal control so that they come to inspect and determine the right course of action.
It might be possible for friends or family to temporarily take the animals if the animals are healthy. Animals appreciate open space to play and a clear path to their food and water.
According to the ASPCA, these criteria are present in animal hoarding:
It is not in the best interest of the animals to remain in the care of someone who is hoarding animals. Often, the animals need to be removed at least temporarily for their welfare, and so that the premises can be properly cleaned.
Child Protection Services in Minnesota wants to know about children who are being abused or neglected. Contact your county or tribal social service agency.
Certain professions in Minnesota are 'mandated reporters.' Workers in a number of professions, including health care, social services, psychological treatment, child care, education, corrections, law enforcement and clergy are required to report suspected child maltreatment.
The cost of a hoarded home is high. There is no cheap, easy solution. The solutions used for a particular situation depend on size of the hoard, if the owner is willing to work on the situation, and if the local authorities are imposing deadlines. Costs might include:
(a) Money already spent acquiring the stuff that filled the house.
(b) Individual therapy that may be needed for the foreseeable future.
(c) Hiring an organizer to work alongside the person.
(d) Hiring a cleanout company
(e) Deep cleaning after the excess stuff has been removed.
(f) Repairs from damage (such as mold, broken appliances, plumbing leaks, etc.).
(g) The time it will take for the owner and assistants to sort through the stuff, donate, recycle, and organize what is kept.