How To Travel Through Italy For 3 Weeks And Stay With People In Homes Or Stay In Convents?

I am an American citizen in my 50′s and want to spend 3-6 weeks in Italy. While there I would like to stay with residents in their homes or possibly in convents. I know such spaces are available but don’t know where to look on he Internet. I am also interested in making contact (prior to my arrival) with local residents in the communities where i travel. Does anyone have any suggestions for websites? I am not looking for a dating situation – just new friends.
Thanks for your help.