5 Charities That Help Hoarders

Hoarding is a serious issue that affects many people, often going unnoticed until it becomes overwhelming. Hoarding isn’t just about having too many things—it’s about feeling a strong need to keep items, even when they have little value. This can lead to cluttered homes, isolation, and emotional distress. Thankfully, there are charities that focus on helping people who hoard. These organizations offer support, counseling, and resources to help hoarders regain control of their lives.

If you’re looking for quick help, there are several charities like The Hoarding Project, Clutterers Anonymous, and The OCD Foundation that offer direct support and resources to people struggling with hoarding.

What is Hoarding?

Before we dive into charities, let’s take a moment to understand what hoarding actually means. Hoarding is the excessive collection of items, coupled with an inability or unwillingness to get rid of them. This leads to spaces becoming unusable because of clutter. Hoarding can stem from various mental health issues, like anxiety or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). People hoard because of emotional attachments to objects, fear of needing the items in the future, or the belief that throwing things away is wasteful. Over time, this behavior can take over a person’s home, their mental health, and their relationships.

Why Do Hoarders Need Help?

Hoarding isn’t just a matter of being messy or disorganized; it’s a condition that can seriously impact someone’s quality of life. Hoarders often feel overwhelmed and trapped by their clutter but don’t know where to start. Cleaning out a hoarder’s home without addressing the emotional attachment to the items might not solve the problem in the long run. That’s why many hoarders need professional help and emotional support to declutter. Charities that focus on hoarding know this and offer the right kind of assistance.

Charities That Help Hoarders

1. The Hoarding Project

The Hoarding Project is a non-profit organization that offers direct help to people who hoard. They provide education, support groups, and counseling services. The Hoarding Project aims to bring hoarders, their families, and professionals together to create a better understanding of hoarding. They believe in offering non-judgmental support and focus on long-term recovery. The group works with individuals to find the best solution for their situation, whether it’s counseling, therapy, or helping them organize their space.

2. Clutterers Anonymous

Clutterers Anonymous is a 12-step program, similar to Alcoholics Anonymous, for people who struggle with hoarding or compulsive cluttering. This charity offers support groups across the country, and they also have online meetings if you can’t attend in person. Clutterers Anonymous believes that hoarding is a symptom of a deeper issue, so they focus on healing emotional and mental aspects, not just the physical clutter. Their approach combines emotional support and practical solutions for decluttering.

3. International OCD Foundation (IOCDF)

Hoarding is often linked to obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and the International OCD Foundation is dedicated to helping those affected by OCD and related conditions, like hoarding. They offer resources, education, and information about treatment options. The foundation helps people find professional help and also connects individuals with support groups. Their goal is to raise awareness and reduce the stigma around hoarding, which can encourage more people to seek help.

4. Institute for Challenging Disorganization (ICD)

The Institute for Challenging Disorganization is another great charity that helps hoarders. They offer educational resources and connect hoarders with professional organizers who are trained to work with people with chronic disorganization or hoarding tendencies. The ICD provides tools to help people take back control of their space and life, while also focusing on mental health and emotional well-being. They offer both free resources and paid professional services depending on your needs.

5. Local Government and Community Programs

Many local governments and community programs also offer assistance for hoarders. These programs often collaborate with mental health professionals, social services, and sometimes even charities like Habitat for Humanity, to help clean up homes and create safer living conditions. Contacting your local government or community center can help you find resources in your area.

How These Charities Help

The charities mentioned above help hoarders in different ways:

• Support Groups: Many charities offer regular meetings, where hoarders can connect with others going through similar struggles. This sense of community can be incredibly helpful for emotional support and motivation.
• Counseling and Therapy: Mental health support is crucial for hoarders. Many charities provide access to therapists or counselors who specialize in hoarding disorder. This allows individuals to work through the root causes of their hoarding behaviors.
• Professional Organizers: Some charities offer the services of professional organizers who are trained to deal with hoarding. These organizers not only help clear the clutter but also work with hoarders to create lasting habits that prevent relapse.
• Education: Charities often provide workshops, webinars, and reading materials to educate both hoarders and their families. Understanding the disorder is the first step to overcoming it.

Some Common Questions

Can Hoarding Be Cured?

Hoarding isn’t something that can be “cured” overnight, but it can be managed with the right support. Charities help hoarders by addressing both the physical clutter and the mental health issues behind it. With ongoing support, many hoarders can learn to control their tendencies and live healthier lives.

How Do I Know If Someone Needs Help?

If someone’s home is filled with clutter to the point that it’s affecting their ability to use their space, they may need help. Hoarding can lead to health risks like falls, mold, and even fire hazards. If someone is constantly anxious about parting with items and it’s impacting their daily life, it’s time to seek professional help.

What Should I Do If I Want to Help a Hoarder?

The first thing you should do is approach the situation with kindness and understanding. People who hoard are often ashamed or overwhelmed, and pressuring them to get rid of their belongings can make things worse. Offer to help them find resources or connect with a charity that specializes in hoarding support.

Is Hoarding a Mental Illness?

Hoarding is often connected to mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, and OCD. It’s considered a mental health disorder because it affects how a person thinks and behaves. Getting professional help is essential for addressing both the physical clutter and the underlying mental health issues.

Can Charities Help with Cleaning?

Yes, many charities offer help with cleaning, but they don’t stop at just clearing the clutter. They work with the person to understand why they hoard and help them create new habits to prevent future hoarding. Some even provide professional organizers who specialize in hoarding disorder.

Key Points to Remember

• Hoarding is about more than just clutter; it’s a mental health disorder.
• Several charities offer support to hoarders, including Clutterers Anonymous, The Hoarding Project, and the OCD Foundation.
• These charities provide emotional support, professional organizing services, and therapy.
• Local government programs can also offer help for hoarders.
• Support groups and counseling are key in helping hoarders regain control of their lives.
• Hoarding can be managed with the right support but not cured overnight.

Conclusion

Thanks for reading! I hope this article helped you understand more about hoarding and the charities that can help. If you have any questions or need further information, feel free to comment below. I’ll be happy to assist you.