For Elena Malone and Joshua Ryan, relocating to their modern hacienda in Sun Valley was the culmination of a dream. The lush landscaping, charming architecture, and sweeping views of the Verdugo Mountains painted an idyllic picture for their young family. Yet, within three years, this picture-perfect vision has become a haunting reality. This serene haven has morphed into a perilous enclosure due to a troubling neighbor suffering from hoarding disorder.
Hoarding disorder, a condition plaguing around 14 million Americans, often goes unnoticed until its repercussions become unavoidable. While hoarding affects roughly 2% of the general population, its prevalence spikes among the elderly, with about 6% of adults over 70 afflicted by it. This invisible epidemic not only impacts those who suffer directly but also wreaks havoc on the surrounding community.
Elena and Joshua's neighbor, identified as 50-year-old David Ferrera, has amassed an unnerving collection of over 100 decaying vehicles, mounds of trash, and hazardous waste that pose serious health and safety risks. For three years, the once picturesque neighborhood has waged a losing battle to reclaim its tranquility. Despite pleas to elected officials and numerous government agencies, significant changes remain a distant hope.
Senator Bob Casey of Pennsylvania recently emphasized the urgency of addressing this growing public health issue. Hoarding disorder, he explained, especially afflicts the elderly, accelerating hazards within their living spaces and increasing the burdens on their families and communities. \
