Low-Income Senior Resources
(Sonoma & Marin Counties)

When a family can’t afford $5,000–$8,000/month for private-pay assisted living or memory care, there are still paths forward. Depending on health, income, and assets, options may include:

• SHARE Sonoma County (SHARE) - offers a home-sharing program for Sonoma
  County residents—especially those age 60+ or on low income—by matching
  homeowners or renters who have a spare bedroom with home-seekers needing
  affordable housing. Matches can be based on rent exchange, service exchange
  (helping with household tasks), or a combination. (Share Sonoma County)
  The program helps older adults “age in place” and provides a lower-cost housing option in
  a high-cost region. (Share Sonoma County)
• Medi-Cal with Assisted Living Waiver (ALW) – For eligible seniors who meet
  nursing-home level of care but could safely live in an assisted living or memory care
  that participates in the ALW program. (DHCS)
• Low-income senior housing and nonprofits – Affordable independent or service-
  enriched senior housing where rent is income-based or subsidized (for example
  Burbank Housing in Sonoma, EAH Housing, PEP Housing, The Redwoods, and
  developments supported by the Marin Housing Authority). (Burbank Housing)
• HUD-subsidized senior housing (Section 202) – Very-low-income senior housing
  with supportive services; rent is typically around 30% of income. (HUD)
  • Veterans benefits (VA Pension + Aid & Attendance) – Monthly tax-free payments
  that can be used toward assisted living or memory care for qualifying wartime
  veterans and surviving spouses. (Veterans Affairs)
  • SSI / SSP + lower-cost board-and-care homes – For some very low-income
  seniors, SSI/SSP income plus a modest board-and-care rate can be workable when
  we find the right setting. (Social Security)
• Multiple Senior Resources
• The Sonoma County Senior Guide from the Area Agency on Aging lists resources
  for seniors, their families and caregivers. Download the pdf in English or Spanish:
  https://sonomacounty.ca.gov/Human-Services/Adult-and-Aging/Area-Agency-
  on-Aging/Senior-Resource-Guide/

Each program is different, but families are usually asked for some combination of:

For Medi-Cal / ALW:

• Proof of identity and age
• Proof of income (Social Security award letters, pension statements, bank
  statements)
• Information about assets (savings, property, life insurance)
• Medical records documenting level of care (diagnoses, ADL assistance needs,
  nursing-home level of care) (DHCS)

For SSI/SSP:

• ID and Social Security number
• Proof of age or disability
• Income and asset documentation (bank statements, pay stubs if any)
• Information on other benefits and living situation (Social Security)

For VA Aid & Attendance:

• Discharge papers (DD-214)
• Marriage, death, or divorce certificates (for surviving spouses)
• Income and asset information
• Medical documentation showing need for help with ADLs or supervision (Veterans Affairs)

For HUD 202 / affordable housing:

• Proof of age (62+)
• Verification of household income (often <50% of Area Median Income)
• Identification documents for all applicants (HUD)

Wait times can vary widely, and it’s important to set expectations gently but honestly:

ALW slots: The ALW program has historically had a statewide waitlist, though California has added thousands of slots to reduce wait times and prioritizes people already in nursing facilities. Some families may still wait months or longer for an opening. (CANHR)

Affordable senior housing (HUD 202, LIHTC, nonprofits):
Many Sonoma and Marin properties have waitlists that can span months to several years, depending on demand, income tier, and whether the property is dedicated to seniors, disabled adults, or mixed use. Waitlists open and close periodically (for example, Victory Village, Warner Creek, and various Burbank Housing properties). (Burbank
Housing)

Because of this, we often:

• Encourage families to apply to multiple lists where appropriate.
• Look at shorter-term options (respite, shared housing, in-home supports) while waiting.
• Use tools and guidance from the Sonoma County Master Plan for Aging and local directories to understand which types of housing and supports are expanding in our area. (Sonoma County)