When an 87-year-old Californian was nearly evicted from her home, Jo Ann Lee stepped in. She helped her keep her house temporarily and later move into a skilled nursing facility. Lee has since helped the woman, now 94, with financial matters ranging from her funeral plans to setting up her charge account with the local hairdresser. "She had no one, no living relatives," Lee said. "But she's like a grandmother to me."

Lee, 62, is a volunteer with AARP Foundation's Money Management Program, which helps low-income elderly and disabled people who have trouble managing their everyday finances—from paying bills to collecting benefits. In 2006, the program served nearly 6,000 clients.

Right now the program is available in only 24 states, but plans are to reach all 50 states within five years. Age and income requirements vary, depending on the local partner, says program coordinator Judith Cohard. The income limit is generally about $24,000 for an individual and $32,000 for a couple.

For more information or to sign up as a client or volunteer, visit www.aarpmmp.org.