Chicago Area Home “Uninhabitable” Due to Hoarding

Suburban Chicago officials were discussing Monday how to handle a home filled with trash and feces that authorities say is uninhabitable.

The property in Hazel Crest is filled with feces, garbage, clothing, birds, rodents and the bodies of dead mice.

"I watch the TV show "Hoarders," and it was worse than anything I'd ever seen on that," said Fire Chief Charles Jackson.

Neighbors told police that dogs and raccoons were coming and going from the property that's home to a 71-year-old woman.

Hazel Crest Police Chief Tom Folliard says he's been trying to get the woman help for months — hand-delivering letters and working with her family and social service agencies.

After getting no response, police got a search warrant and entered the home on Friday, boarding up the property.

Village officials describe the woman living there as well-spoke, well-dressed, and civic-minded. Her lawyer said that although he hasn't been in the house, he said he thinks village officials are targetting the woman because of her politics.

Two dogs, 11 doves and two cockatiels were taken to a shelter.