News Flash

All News

Posted on: December 29, 2015

Workshop brings hoarding out from the shadows

Television has made hoarding into prime time entertainment. But hoarding is serious business that can last a lifetime – a mental health disorder that may touch over 1 million people in the US. Often families are torn apart, friends are alienated and marriages suffer. Researches are only now beginning to understand the problem.

Pierce County’s Community Connections Aging and Disability Resource Center and Clutter Cutters, in cooperation with the Pierce/King County Hoarding Task Force, will offer “Hoarding: The Hidden Problem – Exposed,” a presentation on hoarding: the facts and myths, its causes and conditions, community resources and remedies and what families can do.

“While television has brought hoarding into our living rooms,” said Aaron Van Valkenburg, Manager of Pierce County Aging & Disability Resources, “the fact is that the problem and the solutions are much more complicated than any one-hour program can show. Behaviors are developed over many years and the legitimate and lasting cures will also take years to progress. It’s important for families and friends to go beyond the surface and look long and hard at the problem and the remedies.”

“Hoarding: The Hidden Problem – Exposed” will be held six times in January 2016:

  • Jan. 12 - 6:30 p.m. at the University Place Library, 3609 Market Place W. in University Place
  • Jan. 13 - 12:10 p.m. at the County-City Building, 7th floor, 930 Tacoma Ave. in Tacoma
  • Jan. 13 - 6:30 p.m. at the Graham Library, 9202 224th St. E. in Graham
  • Jan. 15 - 12:10 p.m. at the Pierce County Annex, 2401 S. 35th St. in Tacoma
  • Jan. 20 - 6:30 p.m. at the Sumner Library, 1116 Fryar Ave. in Sumner
  • Jan. 23 - 9:30 a.m. at the Soundview Building, 3602 Pacific Ave. S. in Tacoma
Many of the stereotypes surrounding hoarding are off base. They typically distort the problem as much as the solution. There are many kinds of hoarding and these are often hidden from view by family and friends or masked by rationalizations or denials. People who hoard are from all education backgrounds, economic situations and professions. But they all have certain key commonalities. This free workshop will help identify hoarding behaviors, provide an understanding of the disorder and a look at the solutions and resources available in Pierce County.

“Hoarding: The Hidden Problem – Exposed” is free and open to the public. No RSVP is required. For more information call (253) 798-4600. In case of inclement weather call (253) 798-8787 for possible postponement or cancellation.

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Bob Riler, Community Connections
(253) 798-7384
[email protected]

Facebook Twitter Email

Other News in All News

District Court early closure on Nov. 17

Posted on: November 13, 2023

Fantasy Lights tickets go on sale Nov. 1

Posted on: October 25, 2023

2023 general election at a glance

Posted on: October 5, 2023

Post-election audit of batches

Posted on: August 2, 2023
PCHS news - homeless

$2M awarded for homeless prevention

Posted on: July 18, 2023
housing news and events

ERPP Update for Landlords

Posted on: April 26, 2023

Help identify a Pierce County decedent

Posted on: February 3, 2023

Feb. 14 Special Election at a glance

Posted on: January 27, 2023

Chambers Bay resort development ends

Posted on: January 17, 2023
PCHS news

Calling all community service groups!

Posted on: November 9, 2022
Fall Prevention

Fall Prevention Awareness Day Event

Posted on: September 19, 2022

Annual Donut Dash 5K returns

Posted on: May 24, 2022
Key Peninsula Giveaway

Key Peninsula Giveaway

Posted on: May 5, 2022

Fantasy Lights opens Nov. 21

Posted on: November 17, 2020

District Court early closure, Sept. 16

Posted on: September 7, 2016
Labor Day

County observes Labor Day, Sept. 5

Posted on: September 2, 2016

Heat advisory notice and options

Posted on: August 18, 2016

Video News: Tourism Special

Posted on: August 18, 2016

Tips for staying safe on 4th of July

Posted on: June 30, 2016

Video News: Tourism Special

Posted on: June 2, 2016

Grandparenting has a new look

Posted on: June 1, 2016

Passing of Robin McKinney

Posted on: May 4, 2016

Jury duty scams on the rise

Posted on: April 8, 2016

Pierce County is looking to lease

Posted on: February 3, 2016

Board of Equalization seeks members

Posted on: January 13, 2016

Video News: Best of 2015

Posted on: December 29, 2015

Emergency Operations Center open

Posted on: December 9, 2015

Sheriff's Community Academy openings

Posted on: December 7, 2015