City of Grand Rapids Creates Hoarding Task Force

The City of Grand Rapids has announced the formation of the Grand Rapids Area Hoarding Task Force (GRAHT).

The task force is a collaboration of public and private organizations working to assist with cases of hoarding in the Grand Rapids area.

Organizations that are part of the GRAHT include:

• City of Grand Rapids Attorney's Office
• City of Grand Rapids Code Compliance
• Grand Rapids Fire Dep​artment
• Grand Rapids Poli​ce Department​
• State of Michigan Adult Protective Services
• Kent County Animal Control
• Kent County Health Department
• Grand Valley State University​
• Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan
• Fair Housing Center of West Michigan
• Legal Aid of West Michigan
• Susie's Organization Solutions LLC
• Building Bridges Professional Services
• Bethany Christian Services

Complaints about potential cases of hoarding should be sent by email to hoarding@grcity.us.

The GRAHT offers tips on how to deal with hoarders.

Do:

• Provide your full attention
• Focus on the individual's good qualities
• Draw out the best in the individual
• Recognize and acknowledge incremental progress

Don't:

• Be judgmental
• Ridicule or criticize the individual
• Exaggerate consequences
• Minimize their feelings