People who have been homeless often cling to their possessions for a sense of security. Once they land housing, however, it can often cost them stability.

Caseworkers at Vancouver’s homeless shelters are working to address this conundrum.

A 2020 study surveyed 660 people living in supportive housing and found that 180 of them had hoarding tendencies. Hoarding often stems from past trauma and mental health struggles — common in people surviving on the streets.

“Hoarding weighs heavily on an individual,” said Rori Dicker, operational manager at Live Love Outreach. The nonprofit operates one of Vancouver’s four Safe Stay shelters, as well as Safe Park, where people who are living in their cars receive support.

“It’s not just somebody who is lazy or doesn’t want to throw things away,” Dic

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