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
What counts as hoarding?
Solving homelessness is about more than finding housing.
Donate Money
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Make someone’s day by donating your new or gently used items
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Host an event to raise awareness and funds so we can see an end to homelessness
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