After 30 years of dedicated leadership, Serving Seniors San Diego President & CEO Paul Downey recently retired, handing operations of this vital organization to new President & CEO Melinda Forstey. Melinda earned the enthusiastic, unanimous support of the board of directors and received Paul’s personal endorsement. She has played a key leadership role within the organization for 16 years, most recently as Chief Operating Officer. Described by colleagues as smart, experienced, and compassionate, Melinda is a seasoned leader prepared to guide the organization into its next era of growth and advocacy and even greater accomplishments as an advocate for San Diego’s low-income and homeless older adults.
“I have been afforded the extraordinary opportunity to learn from and to fully partner with Paul as we lead our team to meet every challenge presented to us,” Melinda shared with GB Magazine. “I could not be better prepared to step forward and will ensure the trust placed in me by the board of directors is validated.”
Melinda Forstey’s appointment comes at a pivotal time. The number of older adults experiencing homelessness in San Diego continues to grow. Nearly one in three unhoused individuals is over age 55. Behind these numbers are real people: grandparents, neighbors, and long-time community members who have contributed to society and now find themselves without a safe place to call home. Most are not unhoused due to personal choices, but because of economic hardships – such as the loss of a spouse, a job, a medical crisis, or rising rents that outpace fixed incomes.
There are proven, cost-effective ways to prevent older adult homelessness. Shallow rental subsidies, emergency financial assistance, and family reunification programs help keep individuals housed. These interventions are effective, but they must be scaled and sustained. Equally essential is the redesign of shelter systems to meet the specific needs of older adults. Mobility limitations, chronic health conditions, and safety concerns require age-friendly accommodations and compassionate, tailored support.
Government funding for critically needed support services moving forward is under threat and uncertain. Healthcare for seniors through Medi-Cal and Medicare, nutritious meals, affordable housing, and other services may not receive funding at past levels.
Melinda has led Serving Seniors’ advocacy at every level, working both with local, state, and federal officials, as well as organizations including National Association of Nutrition and Aging Services Programs, LeadingAge, and the San Diego Regional Task Force on Homelessness. “As a community, we have a responsibility to ensure that no older adult is left behind,” added Forstey. “These are individuals who deserve our respect, our support, and our action. Let us use this moment not to dwell in discouragement, but to recommit ourselves to building a more compassionate and responsive system – one that truly honors the dignity of every older adult.”
Serving Seniors believes the time for meaningful change is now. After 55 years, its mission endures: to ensure all seniors, regardless of circumstance, can age with health, hope, and dignity.
www.servingseniors.org
