Integrator Builds Smarter, Safer Homes for Wounded Veterans

For Matthew Block, owner of Tennessee-based Total Home Creations, every project is a chance to tell a story through technology. But few have carried as much meaning as his work with the Gary Sinise Foundation’s R.I.S.E. (Restoring Independence Supporting Empowerment) program—building smart homes that help wounded veterans live more comfortably and independently.

“I love this country, and I love our veterans,” said Block. “Once I learned what the foundation was doing, it was a no-brainer to get involved. You realize that this work goes beyond technology—it’s about giving people their independence back.”

Tailored Smart Systems for Unique Needs

Since founding Total Home Creations in 2017, Block and his team have completed four R.I.S.E. homes, each one customized to the veteran’s specific mobility and accessibility needs. Every system integrates lighting, shading, climate, and whole-home audio—all controlled from one intuitive interface.

“Every veteran is different,” Block explained. “We take time to understand what tasks are most challenging, then build a system that adapts to help. That’s where technology truly shines.”

Nice Technology at the Core of Every R.I.S.E. Home

To bring these systems to life, Total Home Creations partners with Nice North America, an official R.I.S.E. technology partner since 2011. Each home features the Nice ecosystem, centered on the award-winning ELAN control platform, which unifies automation, security, and accessibility functions.

With Nice solutions, veterans can control lighting, temperature, and entertainment through touchscreens, voice commands, or mobile apps—allowing them to move freely, stay connected, and live more independently. Built for reliability and adaptability, these systems evolve with the homeowner’s needs over time.

“The Foundation wanted technology partners who could deliver high-quality, reliable solutions that truly serve the homeowner,” said Block. “Nice was the best from both sides—powerful, flexible, and simple enough that veterans can use it confidently from day one.”

Technology That Enhances Daily Life

From one-touch lighting scenes to whole-home audio zones, every feature is designed around quality of life. “I always say house audio is chicken soup for the soul,” Block said. “Being able to enjoy a family gathering or simply relax with music flowing through every room—it’s something that lifts your spirit.”

Beyond convenience, these systems demonstrate how integrators can use their expertise to make a personal difference. Projects like these show how the smart home industry can bridge innovation and humanity—applying technology not just to improve spaces, but to improve lives.

A Shared Mission to Improve Lives

According to Horacio Morales, Vice President of Sales at Nice North America, this partnership brings the company’s mission to life. “At Nice, we believe technology should improve lives,” Morales said. “Working with the Gary Sinise Foundation and amazing integrator partners like Matt allows us to see the human side of innovation, where design, accessibility, and gratitude come together.”

Each R.I.S.E. home represents hundreds of hours of work, but for Block, the payoff is instant. “When the veteran walks through their home for the first time, you can see how much it means,” he said. “Simple things like lighting controls, doorways, or thermostats become accessible again. These homes change lives.”

For Block, it’s more than a project—it’s a purpose. “We’ve built friendships through these homes that go far beyond work,” he said. “It’s inspiring to see what these homes do for veterans and service members. Honestly, I’ll do as many homes as they’ll let me.”

Note: this release was rewritten with help from generative AI.