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Hoarding Assistance Team (HAT)

Our Hoarding Assistance Team (HAT) provides intensive case management supports to people living in Supportive and Community Housing who are at risk of losing their homes due to hoarding behaviours.

Preventing Eviction

Hoarding is a major contributor to evictions. For individuals who have experienced homelessness, some find themselves holding on to possessions once they have a home. When this gets to the point that their home is no longer feels healthy or safe they may be at risk of eviction. Our Case Manager works with clients, helping them with:

  • Decluttering
  • Disposal
  • Preparation for pest treatments
  • Collaboration with landlords
  • Access to community resources to support their well-being, including mental health services
  • Identifying goals for change and achieving them
  • Skill building so they can continue to enjoy a clutter-free space

Buried in Treasures

As well as individual services, our Hoarding Assistance Team also offers Buried in Treasures workshops to clients living in social, supported, or rent-subsidy housing. This peer-led program is designed to address and reduce hoarding behaviours.

  • 16-week program
  • Teaches skills relating to acquisition, discarding, and organization
  • Equips participants to address hoarding in their homes
  • Spring/summer intake and fall/winter intake

HAT Program Eligibility

If you or a friend or family member matches the following criteria, we encourage an application to our HAT program:

  • Resides in Ottawa
  • Is at least 18 years of age
  • Consents to this referral
  • Lives in social housing, supported housing, and/or receives a housing subsidy
  • Housing is being placed at risk due to hoarding behaviour
Apply

What counts as hoarding?

Use this clutter image scale to see if you, a friend or family member is displaying hoarding behaviour.
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Solving homelessness is about more than finding housing.

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Land Acknowledgement

Options Housing acknowledges that the land upon which we live and work is the traditional unceded, unsurrendered territory of the Algonquin Anishnaabeg Nation. For generations, this land has been governed and inhabited by Indigenous Peoples practicing traditional ways of doing, knowing, and being. We are grateful to have the opportunity to be present on their territory.

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Head Office

380 Cumberland Street
Ottawa, ON, Canada K1N 9P3
Tel: (613) 241-6363
Fax: (613) 241-4855

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Hoarding Assistance Team Referral Form

Please submit the completed referral form and attached signed consent to Program Coordinator Chioma Obiakor via fax (613) 241-4855 or email cobiakor@optionsbytown.com. An in-home assessment will be scheduled with eligible applicants to determine program suitability. Please note that there may be a wait list for services.

Referral Source
If you are completing this form on behalf of the applicant, please provide the following information:
This referral is for:
Applicant Information
Hoarding Self-Assessment
Having the courage to reach out for support about your hoarding behaviour is a huge first step towards making change and we commend you! Our team is here to support you take the necessary next steps towards solving this problem, but this may require a commitment of time and energy on your part. How motivated, are you to change these behaviours? Please select on the line below where you believe you fit.
Stay the same Change it all!
Using the Clutter Image Rating Scale, how would you rate the following rooms in your home (select number):

Consent

We require consent from the Applicant to collect and store the information provided in this form. By signing this form below, you are consenting to the collection, use and disclosure of your personal health information for the purposes of administering this program, and authorize Options Bytown Non-Profit Housing Corporation to contact and share information with the referring party.
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