Frequently Asked Questions

SoulsMatter is a grassroots mutual aid platform focused on connecting and supporting the autistic and disabled community. We operate on the principle that everyone deserves support when their needs aren't being met by traditional systems. Rather than functioning as a typical charity, we directly connect individuals in need with people who can offer help.

SoulsMatter is entirely volunteer-run, with Ryan, an autistic man, as the founder and primary organizer. Ryan created this platform based on his personal experience with homelessness and the transformative power of mutual aid. Currently, there is no paid staff — this is a labor of love and commitment to community support.

Not yet, but we aspire to be. SoulsMatter began as a grassroots initiative taking direct action to support community members in need. We're working toward becoming a registered charity in the future, which would allow us to expand our impact and potentially hire people from within the community we serve. For now, we're focused on creating immediate positive change through direct mutual aid connections.

Our fundamental belief is that everyone deserves mutual aid and support when their needs are not being met. While we prioritize autistic individuals and their families, our platform is open to anyone with genuine needs who is willing to engage in the mutual aid process. We particularly focus on those who may fall through the cracks of traditional support systems.

Absolutely not. We recognize and respect self-diagnosis, especially given the significant barriers to formal diagnosis that exist (financial, geographical, racial, gender, and age-related barriers). We understand that many people, particularly adults, marginalized individuals, and those with intersectional identities, face enormous challenges in obtaining official diagnosis despite clearly being autistic or otherwise neurodivergent.

While we have a particular focus on the Canadian context given our origins, mutual aid transcends borders. We consider campaigns from anywhere, recognizing that need exists everywhere. Our ability to provide support may vary depending on local circumstances and the specific resources needed, but we approach each situation with an open mind.

The campaign process begins when someone reaches out to us with a need. We work collaboratively with them to:

1. Understand their specific situation and needs
2. Help them articulate their story clearly
3. Identify the most appropriate platforms for their campaign
4. Create compelling, honest content that respects their dignity
5. Establish direct links for support
6. Launch and promote their campaign through our network

We put a strong emphasis on authentic storytelling that helps potential supporters understand exactly how they can help.

Our approach is based on trust, belief, and connection. We have conversations with individuals seeking support to understand their situations, but we don't impose burdensome "proof" requirements that replicate the barriers of traditional systems. We work closely with each person to ensure their campaign accurately represents their needs and situation. Our focus is on building authentic relationships rather than creating bureaucratic verification processes.

Campaign duration varies based on the individual's needs and circumstances. We recognize that many autistic and disabled individuals have ongoing needs rather than one-time emergencies. Some campaigns may be active for significant periods, while others might be shorter-term. We work with each person to determine what makes sense for their situation and regularly check in to assess progress and evolving needs.