Jackie Washington was a resident of Hamilton “hoarder” house

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For years neighbours have been trying to get authorities to do something about a house in Hamilton that they say has been inhabited by hoarders.

CHCH has learned the identity of one of the residents of the home, a Hamilton icon considered a Canadian music legend, Jackie Washington.

For two days, workers have been trying to empty the house but neighbours say the problem has existed for years. “I think the city needs to hire a proper company to take out the garbage and everything safely. To ensure that the neighbours on the street aren’t impacted by the debris and the mold and the garbage and the human feces in the basement” said neighbour Nicole Doupangne.

“Makes me sick to my stomach” said neighbour Rebecca Stewart.” I knew they were living in a hoarder house I didn’t realize they were living like this. We have called the city, Mp’s. I actually…when they were living in the house called COAST. Called them about four times and they came once and there was nothing they could do because they weren’t allowed past the front door.”

“His family has a big history in the city and you can see where he got some of his blues songs living like this in this kind of environment” said neighbour David Rees.

A man whose public legacy could be filled with endless music, and yet in private, live a life played out on such a somber, tragic note.