These neighbors say enough is enough.
Concerned neighbors living in Koreatown, Los Angeles are making a stand for their health and safety. A hoarder living on their street has failed to clean up the massive amounts of junk outside his home. It’s not only harmful and unhealthy for the hoarder but for the entire street and community. Neighbors have had enough and they say it’s time for city officials to get involved and get it under control.
A major health concern.
Not only has the hoarding been an eyesore for the neighborhood, but it has also attracted bugs and vermin. There is a car buried under the junk that is infested with cockroaches and rats can be heard running about. One of the concerned neighbors, Edward Lim, explained his concerns to Inside Edition.
“We used to not have any problems with bugs…but in the past two years, we’ve been seeing more and more bugs in the house. I’ve been hearing rats just scurrying about.” – Edward Lim
Concerns fall on deaf ears.
They have asked the neighbor to clean up the outside of his home but nothing has been done. “We’ve made multiple requests, you know, to have some of this removed and we said, ‘hey when are you getting this removed?’ He said ‘oh yeah, I’m going to get rid of it.” – Lim told Inside Edition. However, it’s obvious that this neighbor has a hoarding issue and is unable to manage the situation on their own.
Climbing over trash is the only way in.
According to the neighbors, there is so much junk piled up in front of the home that the only way into the home is to climb over the boxes and trash. Leticia Cruz, who lives next door to the hoarder, has lived in her home since 1981. She spoke about how long the hoarding has been an issue. “It’s been more than 10 years, I have a record. I even wrote a letter to the mayor. I’m scared that I’m really getting sick. I’m old.” – Cruz told Inside Edition.
City council members finally respond.
After repeated attempts to get help, it seems the viral nature of this situation has gotten the attention of the city council. A spokesperson from city council member Mark Ridley Thomas’ office said that they are working with several city agencies to get it taken care of and cleaned up. Hopefully, for the safety of Ms. Cruz of all the neighbors, that will happen soon.
Hoarding disorder is a mental health condition.
According to the Mayo Clinic, hoarding disorder is a ‘persistent difficulty discarding or parting with possessions because of a perceived need to save them.’ – mayoclinic.org. Cases can range from mild to severe.
People all over the world are weighing in on the situation.
Those who saw the video online were understandably horrified and concerned for all involved. One person wrote, “The local government has failed these neighbors that had to live with this health and code violations. Shame on them for not doing their job. These people pay taxes and their salary.” Another person online wrote, “Poor whoever is living inside this house, I know they’re struggling and feeling alone. I hope they will accept the help that’s offered to them. My heart feels for them.”
Now watch the video of this unfortunate situation and how neighbors are dealing with it.
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