Yard hoarders

As you go about your day, you might notice clutter in someone’s yard. It may be piled up on the porch, next to the shed, or in the driveway. Not only are these piles of rubbish a code violation, but they may also be a sign of hoarding. Hoarding is the acquisition of, and failure to discard, a large number of possessions. If these possessions are outside of a home, they can block exits or entrances and could possibly lead to a rodent or insect infestation. Untagged or inoperable vehicles in the yard or the driveway could also point to hoarding. If you see a neighbor who might be a hoarder, offer to give them a hand. If they need more serious help, Montgomery County Health and Human Services (240-777-0311) can work with them to address their hoarding.

This article appeared in the October 2015 edition of the Takoma Park Newsletter. The Takoma Park Newsletter is available for download here.