Buster, it is kind of you to care about the hoarders you have encountered in your work. But if you read up on these boards and other places and books, you'll learn that hoarders cannot be helped unless they want the help.

That being said, when you encounter a hoarder, be nonjudgmental and kind. It is okay to inquire if they think they need assistance in their living situation. If they say no, then back off. If they say they've thought about it or want it, you can send them to this website.

Most cities that cite property owners for hoarding on the outside usually end up on the inside and then the hoarder does not have an option not to change. However, forced dehoarding is only a temporary fix for an ongoing problem that requires that the hoarder be even remotely uncomfortable with his or her behavior and wants to change it or get help to change it.

I HAVE A HANDY MAN BUSINESS AND DURING MY SHORT TIME IN GAINESVILLE I HAVE RAN ACROSS THREE DIFFERENT HOARDERS. THERE LIVING AREAS ARE CONFINED TO SMALL PATHS IN THRER HOMES AND THAY DO NOT SEEM TO KNOW THAT SOMETHING IS WRONG...ONE MAN'S ROOF IS LEAKING AND THE CELING IS FALLING IN THERE IS A LOT OF VERY BLACL MOLD ON WALLS AND HE SLEEPS ON A MATTRESS IN ONE CORNER OF THE HOUSE. hIS YARD IS ABOUT 4 FEET HIGH AND THE CITY OF GAINESVILLE SERVED PAPERS TO CLEAN UP SO HE PULLS THE WEEDS OUT OF THE FROUNT YARD AND THAT SATISFIED THE CITY BUT THAT IS WRONG...HIS SIDE AND BACK YARD IS OVER GROWN HIS HOUSE IS FALLING APART AND HE IS ALONE AND 65..HE DOES NOT FILE FOR HIS SS AS HE DOES NOT WANT GOVERMENT IN HIS HOUSE....WHAT CAN I DO TO HELP BUSTER OF GAINESVILLE

Hi. I know of no one who does free hoarding cleanup work. You can tap into family and friends and any social groups of which you may be a part, if that is possible for you. You can check out the daily threads here for support in doing it yourself. Good luck.