Imagine being forced out of your home, with nowhere to go, all because of a system that’s supposed to help you. That’s the harsh reality for Nicola Torres, a single mother in Western Australia, who is facing eviction from the community housing she’s called home for years. But here’s where it gets controversial—this decision wasn’t made by a private landlord but by a community housing provider, an organization funded to support vulnerable families. How did it come to this? And why are eviction rates in community housing nearly five times higher than in government-run public housing? Let’s dive in.
Nicola Torres and her two children are on the brink of losing their home in Forrestfield, a suburb in Perth’s southeast. For years, she’s dreamed of owning a home, but now that dream feels shattered. ‘We’ve got nowhere to go,’ she says, her voice trembling with anxiety. ‘I feel like I’m at risk of losing everything.’ Her eviction stems from falling behind on rent during a period when she couldn’t work due to mental health issues and caregiving responsibilities. Despite repaying the arrears, the decision to evict her family—and their dogs—stands firm.
And this is the part most people miss—community housing providers, like Foundation Housing, are meant to offer a safety net for those in need. Funded by the government and supported by investments from superannuation funds, these organizations manage around 7,500 properties in WA, providing affordable housing for low-income families. They often operate larger sites with onsite staff to address tenant issues promptly. When it works, it’s a lifeline. But for some, like Nicola, it feels more like a trap.
The numbers are startling. While most tenants in community housing benefit from stable, supportive environments, around 200 people a year face eviction after a court order. What’s alarming is that the eviction rate in community housing is significantly higher than in traditional public housing. Why? Greens housing spokesperson Tim Clifford points to concerns about transparency and accountability in the sector. ‘There are great people working here,’ he says, ‘but the eviction rates and lack of clarity around decision-making are troubling.’
Nicola’s case raises red flags. Her rent, initially set based on her income, wasn’t adjusted when she faced financial hardship. She claims she informed Foundation Housing about her struggles, but instead of support, she received an eviction notice. Communication broke down, with one staff member insisting on email-only correspondence. ‘I just wanted to talk, to understand why,’ she recalls. Despite repaying her debt, the eviction process marched on, leaving her feeling abandoned by the very system meant to help her.
Foundation Housing insists there’s more to the story, citing ‘other contributing factors’ beyond rent arrears. However, privacy restrictions prevent them from elaborating. CEO Chris Smith emphasizes their commitment to early intervention and tenant support, stating they made multiple attempts to resolve the issue. Yet, Nicola’s experience paints a different picture—one of minimal support and a rigid process that left no room for compassion.
Here’s the controversial question: Are community housing providers prioritizing their bottom line over the well-being of tenants? While organizations like Foundation Housing claim to act as a last resort, the data suggests otherwise. Housing Minister John Carey highlights ‘significant investments’ in the sector and points to the National Regulatory Code, which mandates fairness and transparency. But with no enforcement actions taken against providers, according to the Community Housing Registration Office (CHRO), one wonders if accountability is just lip service.
In the midst of a housing crisis, where every decision carries weight, stories like Nicola’s are a stark reminder of the system’s flaws. While community housing serves thousands successfully, the few who fall through the cracks face devastating consequences. For those already battling mental health, financial instability, or caregiving responsibilities, an eviction can be the final straw.
So, what’s the solution? Greater oversight? More funding for tenant support services? Or a fundamental shift in how providers approach their mission? We want to hear from you. Do you think community housing providers are failing their tenants? What changes would you like to see? Share your thoughts in the comments below—let’s start a conversation that could spark real change.
