Joan Woods has been through a lot in her 77 years.
She has buried her husband and three sons, but never thought the sanctuary and safety of her home would be under threat.
The Noongar grandmother has lived in a small unit owned by Mandjah Boodjah Aboriginal Corporation in Perth’s southern suburb of Beaconsfield for the past two years.
Mandjah Boodjah is supposed to provide safe and culturally appropriate affordable housing for up to twenty Elders in the community.
Late last year, the 77-year-old widow and grandmother was issued with an eviction notice.
The notice gave her 60 days to find accommodation after allegations of anti-social visitors but the grandmother wasn't giving up without a fight.
"I've been so unwell and getting calls and telling me that the owners what me to get out and I didn't know how to react because I never drank in my life," she said.
"I never smoked the cigarette or I didn't know what ganja was in my days.”
With one day left on the eviction order, the Aboriginal housing corporation reviewed their decision after fierce opposition from community advocates and her lawyer.
Lawyer James Spinks has been advocating for Joan in a bid to stay her eviction. (Kearyn Cox: The Point)
Joan is relieved by the Board’s decision to give her a second chance, with her lease now being extended by four months, and the offer of help to acquire alternative accommodation.
“I was just ready to walk out the door tomorrow. That was my last option," she said.
They said down the track... I could probably get a place in HomesWest or they’ll find me another place to move on if I wanna move. I've got time."
The grandmother lives with a variety of chronic health conditions including asthma. She said she cried 'happy tears' when told the news.
“I cannot wait to tell my daughter that I do not have to move anywhere, and that she does not have to come over to help me take more things out to the rubbish tip.”
Unfortunately, Joan’s situation is far from rare.
In Western Australia, thousands of people are at risk of eviction under the strict regime.
There are around 17,000 people waiting for public housing and vacancy rates are at their lowest in more than 40 years. Finding affordable accommodation is tougher than ever.
Joan Woods (Centre) with sister Nolda Williams and lawyer James Spink (Kearyn Cox: The Point)
James Spinks, a lawyer for a Perth Aboriginal advocacy centre, says 'no grounds evictions' put tenants in a difficult position.
“It’s quite a strict rule, the only leeway it gives is that it does give a tenant an extra 60 days to find a place," he told The Point.
"But in a market like today's market, 60 days is neither here nor there and often tenants have nowhere to go."
Mr Spinks said he was relieved his client has been given a lifeline.
“Her resilience amazes me, and it goes to show what can be achieved when organisations and advocates communicate with each other and act compassionately,” he said.
Dennis Taylor is a neighbour at the Aboriginal housing village and even signed a petition to advocate for Joan.
Mr Taylor has known Joan for thirty years and said she is known as a gentle lady at their local church.
“She likes to keep her family close to her. That is what she is all about," he said.
"She is a good character, she doesn’t drink or smoke. She is a family lady who loves her relatives.”
'Elders deserve our respect'
The Point has been told the Mandjah Boodjah Aboriginal Chairperson, Dr Rishelle Hume, has this week stepped down from her position after a seven-year tenure.
In a statement, the corporation said they will work with local community advocates to provide a more appropriate service for Elders.
Mandjah Boodjah acknowledged more supports are needed and that after community advocacy they 'reviewed the decision.'
“Our tenants are our Elders. Mandjah Boodjah Aboriginal Corporation understands they deserve our respect and ongoing support."
