Hoarding Services (HEAT)

Hoarding Education & Action Team (HEAT)

HEAT was founded in 2012 and uses a collaborative approach to help people struggling with clutter and hoarding disorder in Greater Victoria. We also refer people outside Greater Victoria to local resources.

HEAT includes:

• fire departments
• Bylaw enforcement
• Island Health services
• SPCA
• concerned non-profit groups
• for-profit landlords
• volunteers
• de-cluttering services 

HEAT recognizes that hoarding exists in our communities and that it represents a significant health and safety risk for the hoarder, first responders and the community at large.

Our goals:

1. Safety is the first priority
2. Finding helpful resources for clients with a hoarding problem
3. Maintaining ongoing support
4. Keeping people in their homes
5. To help you assess the problem and get assistance

HEAT Peer Support Group 

We are a non-judgmental peer group, in a supportive environment, where we share struggles, strategies and victories with other community members. The group will be facilitated by peers with lived experience, who will share tips and tools for dealing with the emotional and physical aspects of a cluttered home.  The group will also receive additional support from clinical staff of Island Health (members of HEAT) when appropriate.

If you are affected by clutter, please come and attend this support group. We plan to meet the second and fourth Wednesday of each month at Royal Jubilee Hospital (Eric Martin Pavilion) at 3 p.m. 

Location:

Royal Jubilee Hospital
Eric Martin Pavilion, 
2334 Trent Street, Room 609
Ask for room directions at reception on the sixth floor.

Upcoming 2019 Meeting Dates:

2019: The 2nd and 4th Wednesdays at EMP/RJH meeting room.*

• Jan 9, 23
• Feb. 13, 27
• Mar. 13, 27
• Apr. 10, 24
• May 8, 22
• June 12, 26
• July 10; No meeting July 24 due to unforeseen staffing limitations
• Aug – No meetings in August due to unforeseen staffing limitations
• Sept. 11, 25
• Oct. 9, 23
• Nov. 13, 27
• Dec. 11 – No meeting Dec 25th

** There are plans to start meetings in a community setting on the 1st  and 3rd  Wednesdays of each month, those dates will be posted as soon as they are confirmed.

For more information, call the HEAT line at 250-361-0227.

HEAT Online Support

HEAT also offers online support through the Vancouver Island Hoarding and Clutter Support Facebook group. After answering a few questions, potential members will be accepted and can both give and receive personalized support. This system will work similar to the in-person peer support offered within the Victoria area but be accessible to anyone with an internet connection. This will allow members of Island Health's more rural communities to access necessary support. This project was spearheaded and will be continually monitored by Megan Sabell and Murray Anderson, both of who have extensive experience helping those with hoarding behaviour.

This group is available for people with a hoarding condition and those who support them. Please be sure to read the following code of conduct before joining. 

Code of Conduct:

1. Be respectful at all times; do not be abusive, judgmental or use foul language.

2. Be supportive; try not to personalize feedback.

3. Respect people’s privacy.

4. No buying, selling, trading or promoting commercial businesses. 

5. If in doubt or if you have concerns, contact an Administrator.

6. Please limit content to clutter related topics only.

Hoarding Disorder Webinar

Presented by Dr. Eric Ochs of Island Health for Education and Training to the Residential Tenancy Branch of BC. This webinar is a clinically focussed introduction to the topic of HD, and how the Hoarding Education and Action Team (HEAT serves the Island Health region) responds to requests for service.