From corporate to non-profit - how Michael Deschepper is helping to end homelessness for the elderly

This article was originally published on RMIT Launchpad.

At Wintringham, receiving complaints from their clients is a positive.

For the aged care organisation that houses elderly people experiencing homelessness, complaints from their clients are indicative of a confidence to exercise their rights.

“For so many years of living on the streets, nobody listens to their rights. At times it is dangerous because some service providers don’t take it well. For our clients to complain to us, it’s a tick,” said Michael Deschepper, the Deputy CEO of Wintringham.

Founded in 1989, Wintringham is a welfare, not-for-profit organisation created to help elderly people experiencing homelessness. Driven by social justice values, they provide men and women above the age of 50 with access to affordable and safe housing as well as quality support and aged care services.

Michael’s awareness of homelessness increased when he lived in London, where lower wages, higher costs of living and harsh winters made being homeless a stark reality and horrible life for the unfortunate few.

On returning to Melbourne, he was stunned by the rising costs of living and housing that led to an increase in homelessness in his home city

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