Brian Devenish has spent a lifetime volunteering with marginalised people across the globe, witnessing first-hand life’s inequities, including access to housing. Source: VMCH.
The 75-year-old is now the grateful recipient of secure, affordable housing; joining a growing number of older people seeking housing support.
Today is World Day of Social Justice, focusing on the need for a fair and equitable division of resources, opportunities and privileges in society, including housing.
It follows a recent Grattan Institute report that found two in three retirees who rent in the private market live in poverty.
Government data also shows the number of older people (aged 55+) seeking specialist homelessness services (SHS) is rising. In 2023–24, SHS agencies assisted about 29,500 older clients, an increase from 27,300 clients in the previous year.
For-purpose Catholic organisation VMCH (formerly known as Villa Maria Catholic Homes) provides affordable homes to 421 people across 22 communities in Victoria.
Mr Devenish has lived in VMCH’s Balwyn community in Melbourne for two years, following the closure of his former housing development.
When you learn about Mr Devenish’s life of service, it’s easy to see how private rental is out of reach. The great-grandfather of seven has devoted 30 of his working years to supporting some of society’s most vulnerable.
His Christian missionary work includes building orphanages, rebuilding communities after natural disasters, working with people experiencing homelessness, and running programs in remote Aboriginal communities.
However, it was Mr Devenish’s army service, and struggles with mental health following a marriage breakdown, that shaped his life’s passion, running a charity for disengaged kids.
“I started Friendship on the Move 30 years ago. We’ve helped put 5000 kids with challenging behaviours back into education and employment, helping to instil discipline in kids so they can contribute to society.”
Mr Devenish, who continues to work one day each week at his charity, is grateful having a roof over his head is something he no longer needs to worry about. It leaves him time to get on with helping others.
“It’s great there are organisations like VMCH providing homes like this. In a country as prosperous as ours, there shouldn’t be people without a home.”
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