Live Blog Recap: Arlington Home on 'Hoarding: Buried Alive'

Share your thoughts while you watch tonight's "Hoarding: Buried Alive" episode on TLC in the comments below.

Some background on tonight's "Hoarding: Buried Alive" episode from the town:

The work of the Arlington Health and Human Services Hoarding Response Team will be featured on TLC’s Hoarding: Buried Alive, Wednesday, March 13th at 9 p.m.

The Arlington Hoarding Response Team worked directly with an Arlington resident after receiving complaints regarding the condition of the property. Upon inspection, the home was found to be hoarded and an order was issued for it to be brought into compliance with the State Sanitary Code. Due to the amount of items in the home, the clean-out options were very costly, and the property owner agreed to work with TLC.

Staff from the Health Department were part the inspection and the clean-out process.

Hoarding is a serious problem for occupants of hoarded homes, neighbors and the general public, including first responders. Homes that are hoarded often attract rodents and pests and are almost always a serious fire hazard. Christine Connolly, Director of Health and Human Services states, “The risk of a fire in a hoarded home is great and there is a greater chance of loss of life in a home filled with debris.”

Health Inspector Jim Feeney served as the lead inspector working on this TLC case. Inspector Feeney states, “I hope this episode raises awareness locally as hoarding affects many people, even here in Arlington.” Feeney reports that, “This particular case highlights not only the great success of the occupant, but also the effects this issue can have on the surrounding neighborhood. I truly believe the process successfully created a more cooperative dynamic in this neighborhood.”  

TLC provided the property owner with assistance cleaning out the property, as well as the services of a professional organizer and a licensed therapist. The property owner also received assistance with home repairs.