As a result of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, our agency has had to make some temporary changes to our programs and procedures.
Please see below for updates from each of our sites and programs on how they will be functioning in the interim. We will continue to send updates as things change.
MUC Headquarters, 1081 Broadway
Our main headquarters is open, but we are not accepting any walk-in clients. The building is open to staff and deliveries only. Tenants may drop off rent payments at the dropbox in the lobby at 1081 Broadway if they are unable to mail them. All inquiries should be made via phone at (716) 893-7222.
ESL/GED Program
Our ESL and GED classes are suspended until April 20, per the Buffalo Public Schools mandate. Please keep an eye on our website for updates on this timeline.
SNAP Program
Our SNAP workforce development program is suspended until further notice.
Senior Services Program
Our senior services staff are no longer doing home visits at this time. Our senior services program is still working with clients via phone and can be reached at (716) 893-7222 x207 Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Housing & Community Development Programs
All City of Buffalo housing assistance program inquiries – including the Emergency Repair program, HomeGrown program, and Down Payment & Closing Cost Assistance program – are being referred to call the Old First Ward Community Association at 716-856-8613 x103.
Housing staff are still supporting our receivership tenants over the phone at (716) 893-7222 x214. All tenants should be paying rent via mail to the Matt Urban Center, 1081 Broadway, Buffalo NY 14212 if possible, or at the dropbox in the lobby at 1081 Broadway if they are unable to mail them. Tenants at our apartment buildings can continue to pay rent via the dropbox at their respective buildings.
Weatherization Program
Our weatherization staff are still working Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. We ask that all new applicants request information by phone at (716) 893-7222 x218 or via email at jparylo@urbanctr.org or by mail to the Matt Urban Center, 1081 Broadway, Buffalo NY 14212.
Matt Urban Hope Center, 385 Paderewski Drive
The Matt Urban Hope Center is currently closed to walk-in clients. Staff will be available via phone at (716) 893-7222 x310 from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, and from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Tuesdays.
Our Urban Diner in partnership with Friends of Night People is still operating Monday through Friday from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. All meals are being pre-packaged and will be distributed at the front door of the building.
We will continue to operate our Food Pantry on Tuesdays from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m. All pantry bags will be pre-packaged and distributed at the front door of our building.
Our Homeless Outreach program is not seeing clients on the street at this time. They can be reached for support over the phone at (716) 430-7311.
As of Monday, March 23, the Matt Urban Hope Center will be closed completely and all services will be suspended.
Hope House Shelter, 586 Genesee Street
Our Hope House shelter is still accepting referrals, but our capacity is currently at 50% to maintain a safe distance between residents. We are only accepting 25 women and children at this time. We will accept referrals as families depart through the Department of Social Services and 2-1-1. All questions regarding the shelter can be directed to our Hope Services director at (917) 717-1400.
T.J. Dulski Community Center, 129 Lewis Street
The T.J. Dulski Center is currently closed to the public. I n light of the local school closures, all youth program operations have ceased until further notice.
Our food pantry at T.J. Dulski will be open every other week on Wednesdays from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The next date the pantry will be open is Wednesday, April 1.
Permanent Supportive Housing Programs
Our permanent supportive housing programs are suspending all home visits and will continue to support our clients over the phone. Our staff can be reached at (716) 893-7222, x530.
HELP Buffalo I & II, 368 & 384 Broadway
No visitors are permitted at our HELP Buffalo apartments at this time. Tenants can continue to work with their case managers via phone.
Hope Gardens, 58 Oberlin Avenue
No visitors are permitted at our Hope Gardens apartments at this time. All group activities and congregate dining have been suspended. Food will be delivered to tenants’ apartments. Tenants can continue to work with their case managers on site and via phone.
Questions? Reach out to us at (716) 893-7222 or via email at smaurer@urbanctr.org.
We hope all of our clients, partners, supporters and community members stay safe and healthy during this time!
The Matt Urban Center has been proudly serving East Buffalo, the Town of Cheektowaga and West Seneca for the past 42 years. We continue to fulfill our mission of revitalizing neighborhoods, serve families and change lives by bringing together public and private resources in an effort to assist community residents in becoming self-sustaining.
As we continue into 2019, we are excited to be writing the next chapter of our agency’s story with our largest community development project to date. Construction progresses as we return the former Public School 57 back to a community asset as a multipurpose facility. The Building Hope Capital Campaign will help us bring our newly renovated “Hope House” across the finish line and ensure we are able to continue housing families and providing essential services to our neighbors.
Stay tuned for more updates and we hope you’ll explore and learn more about our project and campaign.
With gratitude,
Marlies Wesolowski, Executive Director
Lt. Col. Matt Urban Human Services Center of WNY
