On Cape Cod, it is estimated that over 8,500 individuals suffer from hoarding disorder.
It’s a mental illness that a number of HAC staff have encountered when assisting clients. Recently, several employees attended a training session on the topic that was led by Erika Woods (above), chair of the Cape Cod Hoarding Task Force.
The three-hour workshop provided details on the disease and ways to address compulsive cluttering and hoarding. Dealing with the issue, Woods said, is complicated by the fact that “there are not a lot of services out there. One of the things we struggle with is providing services to people.”
Despite those difficulties, Woods said, the region is working to address the issue through the task force which holds meetings for professionals who are or may be working with individuals struggling with hoarding on the first Thursday of every other month, 9:30 to 11:30 am, at the Dennis Police Station.
For info on self-help groups or other resources related to hoarding, contact Erika Woods at info@hoardingcapecod.org or at 508-375-6620. You can also visit the Cape Cod Hoarding Task website by clicking this link.
