‘I’m trying so hard to keep my family together’: Richland mom tackles hoarding cleanup alone
By Austin Reed
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RICHLAND (KAPP) — A young mother is asking for community compassion as she tackles the overwhelming task of cleaning up a Richland property that has drawn online attention and neighbor complaints.
Mackenzie Hanson, 26, says she has been left to address what neighbors describe as a hoarding situation at a home on Hains Avenue after her fiancé was incarcerated. The single mother of two young children says the property’s condition stems from serious mental health struggles and substance abuse involving the homeowner.
“Yes he lives here, things happened and he is incarcerated and that’s why I am taking on what’s going on at the house,” Hanson said.
Photos of the property have circulated online, generating complaints from neighbors. Hanson says she understands their frustrations but hopes the community will show patience as she works to restore the property.
The cleanup effort faces significant financial challenges. With the home in foreclosure, Hanson says multiple dump runs at about $50 per load aren’t financially feasible right now.
“Our house is in foreclosure so I need to figure out what to do. I need to profit to set me and my kids up . I’m trying a yard sale, weather is iffy trying to get things done everyday and I’m posting as I can,” Hanson said.
Hanson has been coordinating with Richland’s code enforcement division and placing items at the curb with their knowledge to help reduce cleanup costs. She’s also selling larger items from the home to fund the cleanup efforts.
“I’m selling a party bus, a boat, fridges,” Hanson said.
To supplement these efforts, Hanson has started an online fundraiser and encourages anyone interested in purchasing items to contact her directly online.
The situation highlights the complex relationship between mental health issues and hoarding behaviors. Hanson encourages people to research and better understand the mental health aspects of hoarding situations.
“Mental health is a huge thing. I’d watch ‘Hoarders’ to get a better understanding or research on my phone. It’s so touchy and so rooted and deep in mental health,” Hanson said.
Despite the challenges, Hanson acknowledges her neighbors’ concerns while emphasizing her commitment to resolving the situation.
“Oh 100 percent I said in the post if anyone has wanted the house clean it’s me,” she said when asked if she understands where her neighbors are coming from.
For Hanson, the cleanup represents more than just addressing property issues — it’s about rebuilding her family’s stability during an incredibly difficult time.
“I would say yes I have tried so hard to keep my family together so that was the hardest thing to swallow,” she said when asked if this was the most challenging situation she’s faced.
The Richland property represents a second hoarding situation in the city that has gained public attention in recent weeks, highlighting ongoing challenges with similar cases in the community.
Hanson says she remains focused on restoring both the property and is grateful to those in the community that have come to help as she continues the cleanup process one load at a time.
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