Regional Agency Helps Older Adults Secure Housing

Agency on Aging Area 4 pools resources to implement programs across 7 Northern California counties

Apr. 10, 2026 at 11:42pm

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The Agency on Aging Area 4 (AAA4), which serves seniors in seven Northern California counties, is able to pool resources and implement programs that reach beyond county boundaries. These programs, such as the home-sharing program Key Connections and the online learning platform Get Set Up, reflect and benefit from the region's geographic and demographic diversity.

Why it matters

By operating at a regional level, AAA4 can provide a wider range of services and advocacy for older adults across urban, suburban, rural, and frontier communities. This allows the agency to be a strong voice for seniors' needs and test new programs that can then be scaled up.

The details

Key Connections is a home-sharing program that connects people with extra rooms in their homes with others who need housing. AAA4's Key Connections co-living coordinator, Gail Samuels, provides education and support to homeowners and helps potential landlords and tenants navigate rental agreements and potential conflicts. AAA4 also runs Get Set Up, a national platform offering free online classes for seniors, with instructors who are older adults themselves. The agency's long-term care ombudsman program advocates on behalf of residents in congregate living facilities across all seven counties.

  • AAA4 has been serving seniors in Northern California for many years.
  • The Key Connections home-sharing program and Get Set Up online learning platform are currently active.

The players

Agency on Aging Area 4 (AAA4)

A regional agency that serves older adults in seven Northern California counties, providing a range of programs and advocacy.

Will Tift

The planning administrator for AAA4, who oversees the agency's programs and initiatives.

Gail Samuels

The Key Connections co-living coordinator at AAA4, who provides education and support to homeowners and helps match them with compatible roommates.

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What they’re saying

“We have urban, suburban, rural, frontier—the whole spectrum of counties. We are a microcosm of California, so it makes us a good testing ground for programs and a strong advocate, as well.”

— Will Tift, Planning Administrator, Agency on Aging Area 4

“We match those who are house-rich and cash-poor with compatible roommates. The homeowner can earn rental income, companionship, and help around the house.”

— Gail Samuels, Key Connections Co-Living Coordinator, Agency on Aging Area 4

What’s next

AAA4 plans to continue expanding its regional programs and advocacy efforts to support older adults across Northern California.

The takeaway

By operating at a regional level, AAA4 is able to leverage economies of scale and provide a wider range of services and support for older adults, reflecting the diverse needs of urban, suburban, rural, and frontier communities.