City pays heavy costs for hoarding
Posted April 30, 2014 11:10 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Toronto has committed hundreds of thousands of dollars to combat the persistent problem of hoarding in the city — an issue that can cost much more in hospital stays, cleanup and legal bills.
The Toronto Hoarding Coalition says a single case, if left unchecked, can easily cost half a million dollars.
Earlier this month, three firefighters were hurt in a blaze in the west end, and hoarding may have played a role.
In December, council approved the SPIDER program, short for Specialized Interdivisional Enhanced Response. It’s designed to coordinate how emergency and city staff — including fire, mental health and animal services — deal with hoarding.
And this week, the city promised $385,000 to VHA Home HealthCare to create a Hoarding Support Network and a long-term solution.
“If a neighbour has an issue, there will be a number they can call who will help put the supports in that are needed for the individual,” said president Carol Annett.
“Again, is it enough? Probably not. But it’s a great first step.”
Funding for the network starts in October and organizers hope to have it up and running by early 2015.
