Matt’s Place Foundation: Housing and Hope for ALS Families
- Like Media
- May 29
- 3 min read
Empowering loved ones with dignity, support, and accessible living
By Taylor Shillam
“Matt’s Place Foundation was born out of a deeply personal journey,” shares Theresa Witlock-Wild, co-founder and Communications Director at Matt’s Place. “My husband, Matthew Wild, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, was diagnosed with ALS in February of 2015. He was 41 years old, and like many families, we had no idea what ALS was or what it would mean receiving a diagnosis like this.”
ALS (also known as Lou Gehrig's disease) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease. As no cure or significant drug has been found to reduce the progressive nature of the disease, it is 100% terminal.
“Individuals affected by ALS progress at different rates, but the end result is always the same: losing the ability to move and becoming trapped inside their bodies, with no ability to walk, talk, eat or breathe,” Theresa shares. “Facing the immense challenges and the financial, emotional, and accessibility burdens that come with the disease, we knew we had to do something to help other families going through the same struggles.”
Matt’s Place began with a vision to provide fully accessible, technology-driven housing for ALS families, helping patients live with dignity and independence despite the progression of the disease, Theresa says. "Since our first home was built in Coeur d'Alene in 2017, then a second in Spokane, our work has expanded to offer partnerships, resources, and grants for mortgage/rental assistance, ramp and bathroom accessibility."
Families live in the Matt's Place homes free of charge to help offset the tremendous financial burden that is brought about by an ALS diagnosis.
"Our goal has always been more than just providing housing—we aim to create a network of support, ensuring no family faces ALS alone," Theresa says. “We believe that quality of life for the entire family should be the priority until there is a cure."
Since Matt's Place was founded, it has helped hundreds of ALS families by providing accessible housing equipped with cutting-edge technology. This technology allows patients to control their home's lighting, security, temperature, and more using their voice, tablet, or eye gaze, supporting enhanced independence and quality of life.
Matt's Place also provides grant funding and direct support to assist families struggling with the financial strain of ALS. "This disease is incredibly expensive," Theresa explains. "Families need accessible housing, an accessible vehicle, a wide range of durable medical and respiratory equipment, various medications, and additional caregiving support."
Creating a sense of community for ALS patients and families is another important focus of Matt's Place. "Through our outreach, events, and partnerships, we are trying to create a shared sense of responsibility," Theresa says. "This disease and others like it (such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's) are expected to increase by 70% by 2040, and will be considered the second leading cause of death. The impact on families, communities, and our healthcare system will be stretched beyond capacity soon, and we need to find better solutions in helping families navigate these challenges."
Theresa shares there is often no support or insurance coverage to help cover out-of-pocket expenses associated with ALS, leaving the responsibility to the family to navigate care costs and accessible housing.
“2025 will be a big year for Matt’s Place as we continue to expand our reach and impact to ensure more families receive the support they desperately need,” Theresa says, as they look to expand their housing nationwide. “Our vision is to have ALS-supportive housing in all 50 states. Imagine creating housing for families using better sustainability practices, including supporting better forestry management, solar, and energy-efficient design."
Matt's Place is currently working on its 3.0 multi-family housing complex in Spokane to showcase creating truly accessible housing for people of all disabilities. "This innovative design is scalable and can be manufactured and shipped anywhere in the country, " she says. "By looking at challenges affecting our housing developments, we hope to be game changers in building community for our most vulnerable citizens."
There are many ways to support Matt’s Place and make a difference in the lives of ALS families alongside Matt's Place, including donations, volunteering, event sponsorships, and spreading awareness. "Every effort—big or small—moves us closer to a world where ALS families receive the dignity, support, and resources they deserve," Theresa says.
At Matt's Place, the goal is to lighten the burden for families, ensuring that no one has to fight ALS alone. "ALS is a devastating disease, but it also brings out incredible resilience, love, and community support," shares Theresa. "We encourage everyone to take action—whether by donating, volunteering, or simply spreading the word—because every effort helps us create a better future for those living with ALS."
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