Winnipeg lacks staffing, resources to deal with hoarding: report

The City of Winnipeg lacks the staffing and resources to deal with the problem of hoarding, finds a new report.

According to the city document, Winnipeg has been working to address hoarding for more than three years. This involved the creation of a task force and a triage group, which include representation from Winnipeg police, Winnipeg Regional Health Authority and Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS).

Through these initiatives, the task force worked to manage hoarding cases and referred those in need to the proper resources, particularly to community crisis workers.

However, the report noted, community crisis workers can no longer help with this project due to other work commitments, which has led to a major dip in the number of cases the city is handling.

“As a result, promotion of the hoarding referral service and interactions with referrals has been at a minimum until new resources can be identified,” the report said.

“There are still no resources available with the appropriate skillset to meet and work with referred individuals.”

Hoarding, as characterized by the American Psychiatric Association, is the persistent difficulty of getting rid of possessions due to a perceived need to save them. The report notes the behaviour is linked to “complex” mental health concerns that often require intensive support.

“These supports do not exist currently within the city,” the report stated.

“Further, as identified through the work of the Taskforce and the Triage Group, needed services are also limited in community or have significant wait times.”

The report will be discussed at a meeting of the standing policy committee on community services on July 2.