Kelly Hansen said her retirement from a key social justice role in Newcastle was "bittersweet", given the lack of human rights in the housing sector.
Ms Hansen will finish as chief executive of Nova for Women and Children on June 30.
The Newcastle and Lake Macquarie organisation helps women and children facing domestic violence and homelessness.
Nova's chairperson Rozyta Englert announced the retirement with "sadness and gratitude".
"Kelly has played a critical role in the development, growth and success of Nova for 23 years," Ms Englert said.
"We will miss her passion, knowledge and dedicated leadership."
Ms Englert added that she had been a "passionate advocate for social justice, in particular gender inequality and gender poverty, especially for older women".
Ms Hansen said retirement was a "bittersweet" decision.
"It's time - I'm tired. But we haven't made the in-roads we need," she said.
Ms Hansen wished she was leaving "knowing that it is a different reality for vulnerable women and children".
She had hoped for more investment in social housing.
"Women and children living in cars and homeless older women are an indictment on society," she said.
She said a human rights framework must be applied to housing.
"Unless shelter safety and living standards are considered human rights, I can't see things changing.
"I leave with disappointment that we've actually gone backwards."
Ms Hansen was also a board member of Homelessness NSW and founding chairperson of the Newcastle Poverty Action Alliance.
Ms Englert said Nova would seek a new chief executive over the next few months.
"Our priority is to find the best woman to honour our past, uphold our purpose and lead us into the future," she said.
