Assemblymember Phil Ting announces $3.5 million in State funding to expand senior services in Sunset District

(SAN FRANCISCO) State Assemblymember Phil Ting announced on August 19 that $3.5 million in state funding would be allocated to expand and improve two senior facilities in the Sunset District.

Ting, Budget Chair of the Assembly, said in the press conference that $2.3 million from the state would renovate the South Sunset Playground Clubhouse, which is overdue for upgrades. Another $1.2 million would fund Self Help for the Elderly’s new senior center on Taraval Street.

The clubhouse at the South Sunset Playground has been used as the senior center for the Self-Help for the Elderly to serve the elders since 1992.

Anni Chung, Executive Director of Self-Help for the Elderly, thanked the support of Ting for the seniors. “It is a double happinesses for us to hear the good news,” said Chung.

“We have been providing essential meals, activities and social services to over 2000 seniors who live in the Sunset District. South Sunset Center is their home away from home, and since we started there in 1992, it has desperately needed a makeover,” Chung said.

According to Chung, seniors are the fastest growing demographic in San Francisco. Nearly one-third of the city’s residents will be at least 60 years old with nearly half identifying as Asian Americans by 2030.

San Francisco has allocated $3 million to expand South Sunset Playground. “With this new state investment and the $3 million we secured for this renovation in 2020 with voters support, I am looking forward to a modern and improved Clubhouse serving our seniors and the entire Sunset community for many years to come,” said San Francisco Supervisor Gordon Mar.