The mission of the Hoarding Task Force is to promote a safe, healthy living environment for the residents of Newton and prevent hoarding behaviors from creating hazards for themselves and others.  The task force addresses the compulsive behavior of hoarding by providing the necessary tools, intervention, resources, education, and community-coordinated response to deal with the disorder.

The mission will be accomplished through a collaborate effort of local services to include: police department, fire department, animal control, social services, health and human services department, protective services, housing inspector, AMR, and the Newton Housing Authority.

The Task Force has developed a protocol to ensure that cases are referred to the appropriate departments/agencies for assessment, intervention, services and support.  The task force meets every other month and on an emergency basis to discuss cases, address concerns and develop a plan of action.    See Definition of Hoarding.