Welcome to "When It Clicks", a new series from me, JoeyCo Founder Alison. I listen to customers every day and hear about 'that moment' for each of them. It comes at different times with different personal circumstances - but each Host has one. It's that moment when JoeyCo just clicks as the right option for them.

I am sharing a series of these moments that I hear about all the time, in the hopes that one might resonate with you. To be transparent and to protect privacy, I wrote these based on the prospective Hosts I talk to, not about one specific person. And please remember, when it clicks for you, I am just a click (or call!) away.

Meet Sarah! Her daughter Rachel just moved to Boston for a dream job, leaving behind an empty room and new possibilities. This is Sarah's JoeyCo story:

Standing in Rachel's old room, I noticed something I hadn't before—potential. Yes, the silence felt strange after 25 years of motherhood, but as I looked at the travel magazines Rachel left behind, I realized: this could be my moment too. The question wasn't just what to do with her empty room—it was what to do with my newfound freedom.

When One Door Opens

The first few weeks after Rachel left, I found myself with time and space I hadn't had in decades. But I also found myself with:

• A perfectly good room sitting empty

• A long list of postponed travel dreams

• Home maintenance tasks I'd rather not handle alone

• Evening activities I'd been wanting to try

• A desire to keep young energy in the house

My friend Janet suggested turning Rachel's room into a home office. My sister recommended Airbnb. But neither felt quite right—I wanted something that would both fill the space and free me to live life on my own terms.

A Neighbor's Revelation

During my morning walk, I noticed Beth, my neighbor, loading suitcases into her car. "Off to visit the grandkids?" I asked.

"Actually, I'm headed to Italy for three weeks!" she beamed. "With Emma, my Joey, handling everything here, I can finally take those long trips I've always dreamed about. She lives in David's old room, keeps the house running smoothly, and even FaceTimes me to show me how my garden's doing. It's given me such freedom!"

More Than Just a Room

As Beth explained the JoeyCo program, I realized this wasn't just about filling Rachel's room—it was about creating independence for everyone involved. Through their careful matching process, they pair Hosts with university students who share similar interests and values. These Joeys help with:

• House oversight during travel

• Daily household tasks

• Transportation when needed

• Tech support and setup

• Evening and weekend assistance

In return, they receive affordable housing and earn money helping around the house. It's a partnership that creates freedom for both generations.

Discovering New Freedom

Now, six months later, my home hums with possibility. Sophia, my Joey, is a graduate student in environmental science who brings her own energy to our home while helping me embrace my independence. With her help:

• I finally joined that evening book club

• My weekend trips don't require complicated planning

• The house maintains itself while I travel

• I can say "yes" to spontaneous adventures

• I have tech support for staying connected with Rachel

The Best of Both Worlds

When Rachel visited for Thanksgiving, she couldn't believe the transformation. "Mom, you seem so free!" she said, watching me plan my upcoming trip to Spain while Sophia handled the dinner dishes. "And I love knowing someone's here making the house feel alive."

That's when it hit me—JoeyCo hadn't just filled an empty room, it had opened up my world. Having Sophia here means I can:

• Travel without worry

• Maintain my independence

• Keep young energy in the house

• Help a student afford college

• Say "yes" to new opportunities

• - Turn free space into freedom
• - Help a student while helping yourself
• - Keep your home vibrant
• - Live life on your terms
• - Create meaningful connections

Ready to learn more about becoming a Host? Call Alison (me!) at JoeyCo today for a friendly chat about how we can help you transform your empty nest into an opportunity for independence, adventure, and meaningful connection.

Welcome to "When It Clicks", a series from me, JoeyCo Founder Alison. I listen to customers every day and hear about 'that moment' for each of them. It comes at different times with different personal circumstances - but each Host has one. It's that moment when JoeyCo just clicks as the right option for them.

I am sharing a series of these moments that I hear about all the time, in the hopes that one might resonate with you. To be transparent and to protect privacy, I wrote these based on the prospective Hosts I talk to, not about one specific person. And please remember, when it clicks for you, I am just a click (or call!) away.

Meet Carol! A retired teacher with an infectious laugh and endless curiosity, she fills her time with local theater productions, weekly bridge club, and spontaneous visits to her grandchildren in Seattle. And of course there's Buddy, her energetic dog who brings boundless joy to her life. This is Carol's JoeyCo story:

I sipped my coffee, watching Emma and Buddy return from their rainy morning walk. I am happily warm and dry hearing them coming up the sidewalk—Emma's cheerful puppy talk mixing with the jingle of Buddy's tags and his happy panting (and shaking).

"Another successful adventure!" Emma announces as she towels off Buddy's paws. That task just a few months ago, was the first time I really thought about getting some help with Buddy. He tumbles in to greet me. What a joy to receive his love with her support.

All that is Possible

While she handles his post-walk routine, I'm busy planning my day. Bridge club tonight, but no need to rush home since Emma can feed Buddy. Tomorrow, a matinee with friends. Next week? Maybe I'll accept my daughter's invitation for an extended visit.

"Oh, I almost forgot," Emma says, pulling out her phone. "I made Buddy a vet appointment for his annual check-up next Thursday. I can take him if you want to keep your pottery class."

The ease of this moment—this natural flow of shared care and consideration—brings a smile to my face.

Flexible and Reliable

Last rainy season was just different. I worried about slipping on paw prints after wet walks and toweling off has never been Buddy’s favorite. Sure, there were dog walking services and pet sitters available, but I wanted something more flexible and consistent—someone who would truly know and love Buddy, understand his quirks, and be there reliably if the weather turned. Someone built right into my routine when I needed them.

My wanderlust and social calendar, and love for Buddy, means I need flexibility for:

• Theater rehearsals running late into the evening

• Impromptu lunch dates with friends

• Weekend trips to visit family

• My weekly bridge club and pottery classes

• Those inevitable rainy days

My Friend's Reassurance

A few months ago over lunch, my friend Susan couldn't stop talking about her Joey, Michael. "Check this out," she said, pulling out her phone. Her screen filled with photos of her cat Winston curled up with a smiling young man. "I was in Florida for two weeks, and I got updates like this every day!"

"So he lives with you, even when you aren’t travelling? Weren't you nervous about having someone in your home?" I asked, voicing the concern I'd been harboring.

Susan's laugh was immediate and warm. "Honestly? I thought I would be. But JoeyCo's thorough vetting and matching process put me at ease. And you know what? Having Michael there actually makes me feel more independent - like a built in back up plan always ready to help. Plus," she added, "he's teaching me how to use TikTok so I can share dances with my grandkids!"

More Than Just a Dog Walker

I took Susan’s advice and looked more into JoeyCo. I felt better that their matching process goes beyond just pairing dog lovers. Emma has a class schedule that works well with Buddy’s needs, and she honestly reminds me of my daughter at this age. And her thoughtfulness isn’t limited to Buddy - she is happy to pick up groceries or prep me a warm meal if my theater rehearsal runs long. JoeyCo creates true partnerships: Emma gets affordable housing and a flexible job she loves, while I get the cost of help for Buddy fully covered by the rent she pays, and of course Buddy gets snuggles and scratches on the couch. It's a win-win-win that just makes sense.

Joy in Independence

“Clean bill of health”, Emma says as Buddy slides around the corner coming in from the vet. She adds, laughing, “He managed to snag a few extra treats out of the vet’s pocket though.” I couldn’t get this with another dog walking service. The peace of mind I feel when I'm traveling, knowing Buddy is getting familiar belly rubs and love at home rather than sitting in a kennel. Not to mention the pride I share when Emma tells me about her latest exam success, and the joy I feel being part of her journey.

JoeyCo helped me travel and care for Buddy on my own terms. Trust me, you can’t believe how good this feels.

• Conduct thorough background checks
• Provide detailed matching processes
• Facilitate meet-and-greets before any commitments
• Offer ongoing support for both Hosts and Joeys
• Create clear agreements about responsibilities and boundaries

Ready to learn more about becoming a Host? Call Alison (me!) at JoeyCo today for a friendly chat about how we can help you maintain your independence while creating opportunities for the next generation, too.

Welcome to “When It Clicks”, a new series from, me, JoeyCo Founder Alison. I listen to customers every day and I hear all the time about ‘that moment’ for each of them. It comes at different times with different personal circumstances - but each customer has one - that moment when JoeyCo just clicks as the right option for you. I am sharing a series of these moments that I hear about all the time, in the hopes that one might resonate with you. To be transparent, I wrote these, but I tried to embody the perspective of the prospective Hosts I talk to while maintaining the privacy of their particular situations. And please remember, when it clicks for you, I am just a call away.

This time, I wrote from the perspective of an adult daughter, Mimi, as she processed new information on a visit home for the holidays. This is Mimi’s story about her dad Harold. 

Last Christmas, visiting Dad’s house felt different. The porch light was burnt out, making the familiar walk to our old front door feel somehow off. Inside, unopened mail and magazines sat in piles. When I went to drop some spam in the recycling bin in the garage, it was overflowing – “When is recycling day, can I take this out for you?” He ignored my question and dismissed me with a wave.

I was struck by the quiet. Mom had always been chatty, but since she passed, it seemed Dad was going in circles a bit. The changes were visible in ways that were hard for me to appreciate from afar, but seeing him in his environment made me reconsider. He insisted he was “fine” and nothing was new. And maybe he was, but the lonely pack of hot dogs in the fridge (and nothing else) gave me a pit in my stomach. 

The Moment Adult Children Face

If you're reading this, maybe you've experienced the pit in your stomach when visiting your parent and noticing:

• Tasks or items piling up around the house

• More isolated lifestyle

• Hesitation and resistance to asking for help

• Signs of self-neglect (e.g., empty fridge or new unhealthy routine)

The hardest part? Knowing how to help without undermining his independence. Every suggestion I made was met with "I'm fine" or "I can manage." I understood – Dad had spent his life being capable and independent. Anything I found online seemed like it was for someone sick with a serious illness. He was still perfectly healthy, but I worried about that day something would inevitably go wrong. Who could I call from states away? I traded concerned whispers with my siblings.

Ho Ho Hope

I grabbed a beer with my high school friend Alyssa, who was also back in town. She shared a similar story about her father last Christmas but with a hopeful ending. She told me about JoeyCo, a service that matches older adults who have extra space in their homes with carefully screened university students to live with and work for them. 

At first, it sounded too good to be true - Dad didn’t need an aide, he needed a little young energy and pep in his step. But as Alyssa described how her father's Joey helped with daily tasks, becoming a genuine source of relief, I felt a spark of hope too.

Getting Dad On Board

Approaching Dad about JoeyCo required sensitivity. Instead of suggesting it as a solution to problems, I shared Alyssa’s story and asked if he’d talked to her dad lately. To my surprise, Dad was intrigued by the idea of helping a local student too. “And maybe that recycling could go out, too”. 

Three months later, the change in Dad’s demeanor – and my peace of mind from afar – is life-giving. His Joey, Adam, has become an integral part of his routine. The porch light is back on, the recycling moves in and out weekly, and most importantly, Dad’s fridge and calendar are full again. Adam drives him to the Elks every Tuesday evening, and they often share meals and stories from their day.

Give Your Family the Gift of Peace of Mind

As adult children, we often struggle with the shift when Mom and Dad seem a little ‘off’. Balancing our parents' independence with their safety and social well-being. We want to help but are told not to overstep. We worry but don't want to nag. JoeyCo offers a middle ground – a way to ensure our loved ones have support while maintaining dignity and independence. It was such an unlock for my dad to feel like he could give back to Adam - it wasn’t just about helping himself, it was to help his community too. 

The best part? When I visit Dad now, instead of deflecting questions about managing daily tasks, we can make our own memories. This year we are arriving early and entering my son in the town holiday soap box derby and Dad is building the car with him.  

Getting Started with JoeyCo

JoeyCo provides practical support to get everything set up properly and is with you every step of the way while hosting a Joey. Through our thorough matching process, we ensure each Joey is compatible with your parent, creating partnerships that benefit both parties.

Not sure how to pitch to your parents? Here’s a few ideas: 

• Sing the benefits of getting annoying daily/weekly routine tasks off their plate, like taking out trash and recycling

• To do list piling up? Basic household maintenance is a breeze with someone to delegate to consistently. 

• Listen for driving concerns - evening transportation is a snap with a Joey.

• Great hosts love to give back - maybe your mom is looking for a new way to help youth in her area? 

• Consistent frustration in the parent/child relationship as you offer to help with technology? Suggest someone else (a Joey) to troubleshoot the latest snag.

If you've noticed changes in your parent's home or lifestyle, know that there are options that don't require big expenditures or loss of independence. Many families find JoeyCo enhances their financial picture in retirement and helps defer expensive options like senior living and other in-home support. Call Alison today to learn more about how JoeyCo can give you and your family some peace of mind and enhance your dad’s best years yet.

Welcome to “When It Clicks”, a new series from, me, JoeyCo Founder Alison. I listen to customers every day and I hear all the time about ‘that moment’ for each of them. It comes at different times with different personal circumstances - but each customer has one - that moment when JoeyCo just clicks as the right option for you. I am sharing a series of these moments that I hear about all the time, in the hopes that one might resonate with you. To be transparent, I wrote these, but I tried to embody the perspective of the prospective Hosts I talk to, while maintaining the privacy of their particular situations. And please remember, when it clicks for you, I am just a call away.

Jennifer has lived in her home for decades. This is Jennifer’s (illustrative) JoeyCo story:

The first time I noticed my garden getting away from me, I tried to brush it off. The weeds could wait another week. Then another. Soon, my beloved rose bushes were hidden behind unwanted greenery, and my once-pristine flowerbeds looked forgotten. Inside wasn't much better – the list of small repairs kept growing: a squeaky door here, a loose cabinet handle there. Tasks that used to be simple weekend ‘to dos’ now felt overwhelming.

I'd lived in my home for thirty-two years. The thought of leaving because of maintenance issues broke my heart. I wasn’t ready to admit that my growing list meant my home was becoming too much.

When Little Things Add Up

It wasn't just the garden. The seasonal checklist seemed to grow longer each year:

• Clearing leaves from gutters

• Replacing hard-to-reach light bulbs

• Moving air conditioning units in and out of windows

• Organizing and tidying the items piling up in the garage

• Replacing those very loud smoke detector batteries

Each uncompleted task felt like a small reminder that maybe – just maybe – my beloved home was becoming too much to handle. When my son suggested looking at retirement communities, I knew I couldn’t keep relying on him for help when he visited. I couldn't sleep that night. There had to be another way.

A Neighbor's Solution

That's when I noticed Tom's yard next door. While mine had become overgrown, his looked better than ever. Curious, I asked about his secret next time I saw him.

"It's James, my Joey," he said, beaming with pride. "He's an engineering student who lives in my spare room. Smart as a whip and always eager to help. He handles the heavy lifting in the garden and helps me tackle my list. And the best part is all of his help is covered by the rent he pays. Added bonus, he gets affordable housing while he finishes school."

More Than Just a Handyman

As Tom explained the JoeyCo program, I realized this was different from hiring occasional help. His Joey had become part of his household routine, offering consistent support that made staying in our homes not just possible, but better than ever. The arrangement provided more than just to-do list help – it brought new energy into his home and peace of mind to his family.

"The best part?" Tom added, "James is learning too. I'm teaching him all about proper rose pruning, and he's showing me how to use smart home devices to make daily tasks easier. It's a real partnership."

A New Way Forward

Learning about JoeyCo opened my eyes to possibilities I hadn't considered. Through their careful matching process, they pair Hosts like us with university students who need affordable housing. These Joeys help with:

• Regular yard maintenance and seasonal tasks

• Basic home repairs and upkeep

• Heavy lifting and hard-to-reach projects

• Technology setup and support

They pay Hosts rent and earn money for completing tasks on your list. They receive affordable housing and the chance to learn from our years of experience – a true win-win situation.

Keeping ‘Home Sweet Home’ Sweet

After my conversation with Tom, I reached out to Alison at JoeyCo. She explained their process and how they ensure both Hosts and Joeys are well-matched. They addressed my concerns about privacy and maintaining my independence while sharing my home.

Now, three months into hosting my own Joey, Sarah, I wish I'd done it sooner. My garden is tidy again and I am looking forward to the spring blooms (turns out she has quite the green thumb). My overwhelm is shrinking along with my list, and most importantly, I have peace of mind knowing help is just a room away when I need it.

My home isn't just the place I live – it's where my memories are. With Sarah's help, I'm not just maintaining it; I'm creating new memories and ensuring I can stay right where I belong.

Your Next Chapter

If you're feeling overwhelmed by homeowner responsibilities, remember: Adding help doesn't mean giving up independence. Sometimes, it means finding innovative ways to preserve it. JoeyCo offers a unique solution that benefits both Hosts and students, creating partnerships that help us thrive at any age while supporting the next generations.

Ready to learn more about becoming a Host? Call Alison (me!) at JoeyCo today for a friendly chat about how we can help.

Welcome to “When It Clicks”, a new series from, me, JoeyCo Founder Alison. I listen to customers every day and I hear all the time about ‘that moment’ for each of them. It comes at different times with different personal circumstances - but each Host has one. It’s that moment when JoeyCo just clicks as the right option for them.

I am sharing a series of these moments that I hear about all the time, in the hopes that one might resonate with you. To be transparent and to protect privacy, I wrote these based on the prospective Hosts I talk to, not about one specific person. And please remember, when it clicks for you, I am just a click away.

Meet Linda! Her doctor has just issued a new medical driving restriction, which meant her social life was turned upside-down. This is Linda’s JoeyCo story:

When my doctor recommended restricting my night driving, it felt like the world was shrinking. My weekly bridge club meets at 7 PM, and during winter, that meant I'd have to give it up. The thought of asking my daughter to drive me there every week made my stomach twist – she's already so busy with her own family.

But sometimes life has a funny way of steering us toward unexpected solutions.

A New Option

Over coffee, my neighbor Martha mentioned she had a college student living with her – a "Joey," she called her. The young woman paid Martha rent every month, and Martha used that rent to pay her Joey for help around the house and driving to evening activities. At first, I was skeptical. Having someone else in my home? But as Martha described her experience, I found myself leaning in.

"Sarah drives me to my evening book club, helps with grocery shopping, and takes my big trash cans up and down the hill each week," Martha told me. "But the best part? She's not just a helper – she's become part of my daily life. We share stories over breakfast and I give her advice about her classes. I don't feel alone in this big house anymore."

More Than Just a Ride

What caught my attention wasn't just the practical, affordable help – though that was certainly appealing. It was the way Martha's eyes lit up when she talked about her Joey. She wasn't just getting rides; she was gaining a student who brought fresh energy into her home.

Through JoeyCo's careful matching process, they pair Hosts like us with university students who need affordable housing. These young people – our Joeys – help with tasks that get in the way of living our best life, whether it's safely driving us to evening activities, carrying groceries or trash cans, or managing life's little technology snags . In return, they get an affordable place to live and a job that works around their class schedule.

Opening New Possibilities

The more I learned about JoeyCo, the more I realized this wasn't about giving up independence – it was about reimagining it. With a Joey, I could:

• Keep attending my evening bridge club

• Get household tasks like trash off my schedule

• Have extra hands to get ready for when my daughter brings her kids to visit

• Share my extra room with a local student who needs housing help

A Brighter Future Together

If you're facing similar new restrictions to your driving, remember: independence doesn't mean alone. Sometimes, it means finding new ways to live the life you want – and maybe making a difference in a young person's life along the way.

Having my keys taken away felt like my world was shrinking. But with JoeyCo, I can still do it all.

Roadtrip anyone?

Ready to learn more about becoming a Host? Call Alison (me!) at JoeyCo today for a friendly chat about how we can help you maintain your independence while creating opportunities for the next generation, too.

Focus on your health, let Joey focus on the rest. You don’t need our help healing your meniscus, but you might need help getting nourishing food along the way. 

At JoeyCo, our unique solution makes your pre-surgery preparation and post-surgery recovery easier than you thought possible. Let's explore how becoming a Host can be your perfect strategy for a successful joint replacement journey!

Prep: Counting Down and Stocking Up

Imagine not worrying about groceries, meal prep, tidy spaces and more. 
1. Extra Hands Make Light Work

As your surgery date approaches, your Joey can help with meal prep, light housekeeping, and all those little things you know won’t get done when recovery rolls around (looking at that stack of library books next to your recliner…). Don’t you want the latest NYT Best Seller lined up to pass the post-op time?

2. Recovery-ready space? Easy Peasy. 

Your Joey can help prepare your home for post-surgery life, assisting with tasks like:

• Installing grab bars and non-slip mats in the bathroom

• Setting up a temporary first-floor bedroom, if needed

• Organizing your clothes and essentials for easy access

3. Jitters Be Gone!

Having a friendly Joey around can provide emotional support as you prepare for your procedure. They can help you write down questions for your medical team and keep track of educational materials for you. 

Post-Op: One Stop Shopper

Laid up in bed and craving Ben & Jerry’s Cherry Garcia and simply nothing else will do? Joey can pick it up (along with a few more ice packs and fresh bandages) next time they run to the store.

1. You Name It, Joey’s on It

Your Joey will be there to assist with daily tasks as you regain strength and mobility, becoming an invaluable part of your recovery team. Suddenly can’t reach a top shelf? Joey’s got it. They can help with medication reminders, grocery runs, and an extra push to do that light exercise as prescribed by your doctor.

2. Transportation & Appointment Coordination

There. Are. So. Many. Appointments. Post-op driving restrictions? Joey can be your chauffeur. Your Joey can help coordinate and provide transportation to follow-up appointments, physical therapy sessions, and pharmacy trips. 

3. Maintain Your Independence

Recover in the comfort of your own space without feeling like you're asking too much of family members. Your Joey can help you navigate your home safely while respecting their and your independence.

4. Nutritional Support

Your Joey can assist with meal planning and preparation, ensuring you stay well-hydrated and nourished during recovery. We all know we should eat whole foods and fresh ingredients, what if that were… easy??

Is Hosting a Joey Right for Your Surgery Journey?

If you were nodding along (it’s ok, you can admit it), hosting a Joey might be the perfect solution. Now imagine if you can get all of those benefits for next to nothing. If you have a spare room, that and more is possible with a Joey. 

Remember, it's okay to ask for help. With a Joey, you're not facing this journey alone and you’re not asking your family members to take time out of their busy schedules either. Family and friends are still an integral component of your support system, but a Joey can do all the things, so you don’t have to ask your friends and family to be all the things. Joeys are naturally around to check in daily and assist with tasks that might just pop up during your recovery period.

Ready to Make Your Surgery and Recovery Easier?

At JoeyCo, we're all about creating connections that make a difference. More than getting a hand with your surgery prep and recovery, hosting a Joey helps local students find stable, affordable housing and a flexible job that works around their class schedule. Win-Win. Contact JoeyCo today and to learn more about becoming a Host and find your perfect Joey match!

With Joey, you’re gaining a supportive presence to get you back in tip-top shape after a health hiccup. Are you ready to take on your surgery with confidence? Let's get started!

The Housing Squeeze in Marin

Let's break down the numbers:

• Apartment occupancy in Marin and nearby counties sits at a staggering 93%

• On average, seven prospective renters compete for each available apartment

• Rent prices in Marin are steep, ranging from averages of $2,632 in Novato to $5,533 in Tiburon

For college students, these prices and availability spell trouble. We consistently hear from College of Marin and Dominican University of California that high occupancy rates mean limited options and the fierce competition can leave students in a tight spot. Add in those eye-watering rent prices, and you've got a recipe for stress that no student needs.

JoeyCo: A Win-Win Solution

This is where you, as a potential JoeyCo Host, can make a real difference: By opening your home to a student "Joey," you're not just providing affordable housing – you're creating an opportunity to relieve students of excessive housing costs.

Here's how it works:

1. You offer a private room in your home at a rate that makes sense to you (often below these staggering market prices)

2. Your student Joey earns money by providing you assistance around the house, effectively lowering their rent

3. And maybe just maybe, you and the Joey benefit from friendship and intergenerational perspective

For example, if you're in San Rafael where the average rent is $2,800, you might offer a room to a Joey for $1,750. You could then use that rent to afford about 20 hours of Joey help a week at $22/hour. The Joey can effectively cover their rent while gaining valuable life experience.

More Than Just a Room

By becoming a JoeyCo Host, you're not just offering a bedroom – you're providing:

• A stable living environment close to campus

• An affordable housing option in a tough market

• An opportunity for a student to build life skills

• The chance to build a mutually beneficial relationship that enriches both lives

One Simple Act

Every room opened to a Joey is one more local student who can pursue their education without the stress of Marin's competitive housing market. It's a simple act that can have profound effects on a young person's future.

Ready to Make a Difference?

If you have a spare room and a willingness to support the next generation, we'd love to hear from you. Contact JoeyCo today for a free consultation on how you can become a Host and make a real difference in a student's life.

Together, we can turn Marin's housing challenge into an opportunity for connection, growth, and community support. Join the JoeyCo family and be part of the solution!

Are you a university student struggling to find affordable housing and flexible employment that fits your busy schedule? We might have the perfect solution for you. With JoeyCo and the right setup, you can essentially live rent-free! Read on!

Let’s imagine you're a college student in Marin County, CA. You're excited about your studies and eager to make the most of your experience, but there's one big problem: housing is expensive, both on and off campus. You're worried about how you'll afford a place to live while also keeping up with your coursework and other commitments. That's where JoeyCo comes in – we're here to help you find a supportive living arrangement that fits your budget and your busy schedule.

The Joey Solution: Affordable Housing and Flexible Work

First things first, let’s explain who exactly is a Joey?

As a Joey, you'll have two roles with your Host:

1. An employee, paid by your Host for the hours you work on tasks to support them and their household

2. A tenant who pays the Host rent each month

Here's an example of how it works:

Let's say you're a student at College of Marin in Kentfield, CA. You've found the perfect Host through JoeyCo – a retired teacher who lives just a few miles from campus. The Host offers a comfortable private room and dedicated bathroom for $1,750 per month, which is a steal compared to the pricey dorms and off-campus apartments in the area.

In exchange for this affordable rent, you agree to work for your Host for 20 hours per week at a rate of $22 per hour. Your tasks might include helping with grocery shopping, light housekeeping, and providing conversation during meals – all things that fit easily into your schedule and look good on your resume.

Now, let's do the math:

$22/hour × 80 hours per month (20 hours/week) = $1,760

Your monthly pre-tax earnings from working as a Joey completely cover your rent, allowing you to live affordably while focusing on your studies and personal growth.

If you’re new to taxes, we understand! We’re here to answer all your questions. Contact us

We’re with You Every Step of the Way

Becoming a Joey is easy with JoeyCo's support. If you're ready for affordable housing and are open to offering a helping hand, start by applying to be a Joey today.

We ensure that our Hosts provide safe, comfortable living conditions and conduct thorough background checks for your peace of mind. Once we've confirmed your ideal match, we guide you through the process of setting up your living and working arrangement, from contracting to move-in logistics. Our dedicated support team is always here to help, offering ongoing assistance and resources to ensure a smooth and successful experience.

Unlock the Door to Affordable Living and Personal Growth

As a college student in Marin, you deserve a living situation that supports your academic and personal goals without breaking the bank. By becoming a Joey with JoeyCo, you can unlock the door to affordable housing, flexible work, and valuable life experience.

Become a Joey and start enjoying the benefits today!

Let's imagine you're a San Rafael, CA resident eager to plant your vegetable garden this spring, but not looking forward to the heavy lifting of fresh topsoil from Sloat's Garden Center. After a rainy winter that kept you cooped up more than you'd like, you're ready for longer walks and new adventures. That's where JoeyCo comes in – we're here to help you find a fun, trustworthy, and kind Joey to lend a hand!

Step 1: Setting Your Prices

First things first, let's figure out a fair rent and hourly wage for your Joey. While you're always in control of these numbers, it's important to be competitive with other local offerings. Joeys will have choices for jobs and housing, so let's work together to make your listing stand out!

How to set rent: In San Rafael, a studio apartment typically goes for around $2,000/month (as of 2024). Since your space includes a bedroom, private bathroom, and shared kitchen, $1,750/month seems like a reasonable price point. Way to go – step 1 complete!

How to set wages: Next, consider the tasks you need help with and what each hour of assistance is worth to you. We usually look at the local minimum wage as a lower bound and home health care rates as an upper bound. In San Rafael, this gives us a range of $16-$40 per hour. If $20 feels fair for your needs, you'll get over 80 hours of help per month covered by the rent alone. After accounting for Joey's expenses and taxes, $22/hour seems like a win-win!

Step 2: Marketing Your Listing

We’ll help you design a beautiful listing with great photos of your space and description of your Joey job. Then we get to work getting that in front of the right Joey candidates to find you the perfect match. We’re here to help with negotiations and agreements, too.

Step 3: Matched and Thriving

Once your Joey moves in and starts helping out, we'll be there to ensure everything runs smoothly. We'll confirm their reported hours match your expectations and handle payroll so you can focus on enjoying your newfound free time.

Here's a simplified example of what monthly direct expenses look like:

• Joey moves in on June 1, paying $1,750 in rent

• Joey works 80 hours total in June, earning $1,760 gross (around $1,520 net after taxes)

• You receive $1,750 in rent and pay $1,760 in wages, for a net cash outflow of just $10!

While you'll need about $1,760 available each month to manage the inflows and outflows, one year with this Joey would only cost you around $120 in direct expenses. Plus, JoeyCo is here to handle the logistics and make sure everyone's happy!

Curious how hosting a Joey might work for your unique situation? Contact us for a free affordability consultation where we will walk through a more detailed plan of your math including things like JoeyCo’s fees and workers’ compensation. We're excited to help you plant the seeds for a thriving, supportive partnership!