Housing and homelessness service provider Haven; Home, Safe's departing chief executive officer says the greatest privilege has been working with the organisation's staff.

"They are people who pick up the challenge every day and they're keen to do it, they're keen to get results, they're keen to do the best they can," Ken Marchingo told the Bendigo Advertiser.

Mr Marchingo said he made the decision to step down after 27 years in the job after taking time to reflect over the Christmas period.

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He said he was happy with what he had achieved, the organisation was at the top of the game, and it was in a strong position going forward.

When he joined Haven; Home, Safe - or Bendigo Urban Emergency Accommodation Resource Centre, as it was then known - in 1994, it was small and he was the only paid staff member.

Since then, he has overseen its growth from a local organisation to one that provides support and services in 29 local government areas across the state.

Mr Marchingo also founded representative body PowerHousing Australia, and Haven is part of the International Housing Partnership, in which he said the organisation was viewed as gold standard.

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He said he now planned to take a few months off to travel, catch up with friends, and consider the future.

Trudi Ray, who will act as CEO from next week, said the organisation would continue Mr Marchingo's legacy of looking after the most vulnerable people in the community.

"We've always been incredibly future-focused and the organisation is left in such a good position, with only opportunity aplenty for us," Ms Ray said.

Earlier

Ken Marchingo has called it a day after standing at the helm of Bendigo-based housing provider Haven; Home, Safe for the past 27 years.

Mr Marchingo, the organisation's chief executive officer, will leave the role on January 17.

"It's been my greatest honor to be a foundation stone of the organisation and to have had the opportunity of nearly three decades of commitment to better social outcomes," Mr Marchingo said in a letter sent to stakeholders on Monday morning.

"It's been an extraordinary journey for Haven; Home, Safe and its clients.

"Over the many years I have been part of a remarkable story in which every individual possible is given the right to a safe home - not just a house."

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Mr Marchingo has been with the organisation since 1994 and has overseen its growth from a local organisation to one that provides support and services in 29 local government areas across the state.

"He has committed his life to reducing homelessness and advocating respect and equality for people from all walks of life," board chairman Damien Tangey said of Mr Marchingo to stakeholders.

"Ken's legacy is woven into the fabric of our organisation and I am personally thankful for his service over the many years."

Trudi Ray, HHS's deputy CEO and chief operating officer, will become acting CEO from Monday, January 18.

More to come.

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