'MN Hoarding Task Force' Formed To Help Those With Disorder

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Hoarding is a little talked about disorder that can affect an entire community. Now, health care professionals around the state want to help those suffering from it.

A fire in Shoreview last month caused big problems for firefighters who couldn't get inside. The homeowner ended up losing her life.

So, health professionals, housing inspectors, and service providers have formed the "Minnesota Hoarding Task Force" to address those risks and offer help to anyone dealing with the disorder.

"They're not going to look for help for hoarding because they know the perception of hoarding is: you're crazy, you collect garbage, you live in this horrendous living conditions," said Janet Yeats of the Hoarding Task Force.

Group members plan to hold community events to educate public officials on how to address the problem.