Gwangju Dong-gu Operates Intensive Discovery Period for Households Suspected of Hoarding Disorder

Customized Housing Environment Improvement

Dong-gu, Gwangju Metropolitan City (Mayor Im Taek) announced on the 5th that it will operate a focused discovery period for households suspected of hoarding throughout March and undertake customized residential environment improvements.

Hoarding threatens not only the individual but also the safety and health of neighbors.

Accordingly, since 2022, Dong-gu has been actively identifying households suspected of hoarding that require social intervention and improving residential environments through integrated case management and connections with private cooperative organizations.

Up to last year, a total of 21 households were identified, and through continuous persuasion of the subjects, support such as garbage cleaning and waste disposal costs amounting to 10 million won has been provided, along with regular monitoring to prevent recurrence.

This year, during the focused discovery period, the main problems and welfare needs of hoarding subjects will be identified, and multifaceted efforts such as mental health counseling and treatment and customized welfare support utilizing private resources will be carried out.

Mayor Im Taek of Dong-gu said, “There are many high-risk households exposed to diseases and safety accidents such as fires in unsanitary living environments due to various causes such as depression and lethargy,” adding, “We will continue to make efforts for improving quality of life, including health and social relationship recovery, through steady interest and systematic support.”