Hoarding

Public health inspectors work with other support agencies in investigating hoarding complaints. Inspectors assess whether health hazards exist and work with the client, family members, the public, and other agencies to improve the situation.

Hoarding is the compulsive collection of items or objects, in large quantities, that cover all areas of a residence or other structure. Hoarding can create hazardous condition that pose a risk not only for the person with hoarding behaviours, but also for neighbours.

For more information, download the International Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Foundation’s fact sheet on hoarding.

Marginalized populations

Marginalized populations are groups of people who have less access to important resources and face big challenges in their daily lives. This may make the places where they live unsafe and unhealthy for them and the people around them.

Public health inspectors investigate complaints about marginalized people when there might be health hazard. Inspectors assess whether health hazards exist and work with the client, family members, the public ,and agencies to improve the situation. They share ideas and strategies to reduce health inequities and help make lasting changes that keep communities healthy.