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About Us
VHA Home HealthCare and 16 partner organizations joined forces to launch the Toronto Hoarding Support Services Network (THSSN) to help Toronto area residents with problematic hoarding. We provide services to help and support clients in managing clutter while providing the emotional support required to live safely.
Our Vision
Promoting client-centered principles, the Toronto Hoarding Support Services Network exists to more effectively coordinate services and resources and to support the health and well-being of individuals dealing with
problematic hoarding.
Our Mission
The Toronto Hoarding Support Services Network supports the needs of individuals, families and communities dealing with problematic hoarding in the City of Toronto by addressing needs and building capacity of service providers and families to address hoarding.
We Support
- Residents of Toronto
- Adults struggling with problematic hoarding
- People unable to access services or in need of additional supports
- Individuals willing to receive help
Our Services
- Consultation (individuals, families, community, organizations)
- Coordinated access to services
- Assessment (client)
- Education and Training (workers and professionals)
We Coordinate
Assessments – in-home, safety/risk, and mental health assessments
Strategies and support for decluttering, sorting and organizing
Phone consultations and information/training for service providers, community and family members
Referrals to appropriate services
Assistance navigating social and health systems
Interim case management
Mental health consultation and emotional support
The Toronto Hoarding Support Services Network operates and works with clients throughout the City of Toronto using a Harm Reduction Approach. Our client-centered approach to service takes into account each individual; is respectful, flexible, culturally responsive, and non-judgmental; empowers clients to make decisions; and above all, recognizes the intrinsic value and dignity of all human beings.
The THSSN Harm Reduction Approach
- Accepts risk-taking as normal human behaviour
- Recognizes that people have more success in changing behaviours when they make choices that reduce the possibility of harm, rather than completely eliminating harm or risk as their first step towards change
- Encourages people to start “where they’re at” in order to protect themselves, their partners and their communities
- Recognizes the intrinsic value and dignity of all human beings
- Does not judge individuals on the basis of their individual behaviours
- Accepts that isolating people and communities based on moral judgments is harmful
- Enhances social and health programs, disease prevention and education by reducing oppression
- Expects accessible, flexible, culturally responsive and non-judgmental services for all
- Recognizes the rights and abilities of individuals in making their own choices
Who qualifies for service:
- Residents of the Greater Toronto area
- Adults/Seniors struggling with problematic hoarding
- Individuals not at imminent risk of eviction due to hoarding
- Those unable to access services or in need of additional supports
- Individuals able to direct their care
- Individuals able to let go of some items
- Individuals willing to receive help
MEDIA OUTREACH FOR TORONTO HOARDING SUPPORT SERVICES NETWORK WEBSITE:
Press release announcing launch of Toronto Hoarding Support Services Network website was sent to key media outlets in Toronto by VHA Communications team. Media outlets were contacted by VHA Communications team to discuss coverage of THSSN website launch and launch event.
Below is a listing of the media coverage that has been secured to date for the Toronto Hoarding Support Services Network:
CTV News article written by reporter Jackie Dunham regarding launch of THSSN website, April 26, 2019
Canadian Press article written by reporter Michelle McQuigge regarding launch of THSSN website, April 26, 2019
This article ran on the following media outlets:
Toronto Star website:
CityTV News website:
https://toronto.citynews.ca/2019/04/26/municipalities-work-to-support-those-with-hoarding-issues-2/
680News radio website:
https://www.680news.com/2019/04/26/municipalities-work-to-support-those-with-hoarding-issues/
National Post website:
Caregiver Exchange article written by Paul Cavanagh for Caregiverexchange.ca website, May 6, 2019:
https://www.caregiverexchange.ca/Spotlight/445/How_to_respond_to_hoarding_behaviour
Toronto.com article regarding THSSN website launch, May 13, 2019
New website provides support for Toronto hoarders
Live radio interview on CBC Radio “Metro Morning” with THSSN Chair Trudy Huet and THSSN Member with lived experience Yvonne Zilber, May 15, 2019
