Eric grew up in North Melbourne during the depression, where the highlight of his week was the visit from the mobile library. The mobile library was a T-model ford with a few books on the back seat. Eric supported his wife, two sons and daughter working a variety of jobs including team leader on the wharfs, clerical work and a number of years in the army.

After splitting up with his wife and leaving their housing commission home Eric spent 12 years living in Melbourne’s night shelters. When asked about these years Eric replied "Life was what you made of it. The main thing was to mind your own business. People who said the wrong thing at the wrong time could end up being dropped out of a 10th floor window. In the 11 years I lived at Gordon House I can remember 4 or 5 murders.

"It was often scary being in a wheel chair, especially on pension day when people knew I had a few dollars in my pocket".

Eric moved into McLean Lodge when it opened in 1993. "This place is perfect, you can be very independent but the staff are here to help us when we need assistance".