BREAKING: Anni Chung, the influential CEO of Self-Help for the Elderly, is making urgent calls for action as the needs of San Francisco’s Asian seniors escalate. Chung’s nonprofit has served over 40,000 seniors since 1981, and she advocates for cultural sensitivity in addressing the challenges faced by this vulnerable community.
In a 2025 San Francisco profile, Chung reflected on her 40-plus years of dedication, stating, “It’s not about me… it’s about my staff and volunteers.” Under her leadership, Self-Help’s budget surged from $1 million to an astonishing $34 million annually, a testament to her tireless efforts in advocating for immigrant seniors.
Chung’s journey began during a time when few understood the unique challenges faced by monolingual, low-income seniors. “People thought that feeding the elderly is the job of the government,” she explained, emphasizing the importance of culturally appropriate meals and community outreach. Self-Help’s mission was to break through that stigma, eventually becoming the only organization in San Francisco to provide culturally relevant meals.
With nearly 12% of funds allocated to administration—achieved largely through word of mouth—Chung’s team has engaged with local government, securing crucial funding for programs that directly benefit seniors. “We have to empower our seniors to attend public meetings… and demand action,” she urged, highlighting the need for collective community support.
Recent cuts to food programs have intensified the urgency of Chung’s message. However, hope remains as the Crankstart Foundation and Mayor Daniel Lurie recently allocated $18 million for emergency food initiatives. Chung insists that this funding is just the beginning, stating, “We push for three full meals a day. We don’t easily give up.”
Chung also noted the involvement of younger generations, with nearly 50% of her 400 employees coming from the millennial and Gen Z demographics. “Younger generations are getting involved… when something bad happens, something good always happens,” she said, emphasizing the need for intergenerational collaboration.
As the anti-Asian hate incidents continue to impact the community, Chung is determined to foster unity. “We have to build that it’s not us versus them,” she remarked. “It’s all of us taking care of the homeless, elderly, children—fighting hunger, fighting poverty.” This collective responsibility is crucial as San Francisco navigates these challenging times.
Chung’s message is clear: Asian seniors deserve to be heard, and the community must rally to ensure their needs are met. With an urgent call to action, she encourages San Franciscans to support the mission of Self-Help for the Elderly. “We need to bring senior stories more into the mainstream,” she asserted, emphasizing that everyone deserves to feel part of the community.
In a city known for its diversity, the need for compassion and understanding is more critical than ever. Anni Chung’s unwavering commitment serves as a powerful reminder that no one should suffer in silence.
