Welcoming Our New CFO: David Kraus

The Matt Urban Center is thrilled to welcome David Kraus to our administrative team as our  Chief Financial Officer.

Hailing from Syracuse, NY, David received his MBA from UB. He immediately went to work at UB as an administrator in progressively challenging roles, as Assistant to Chair of the Music Department, the Project Manager of the all-new UB Center for the Arts, and finally as Assistant Dean of UB’s College of Arts & Sciences.

David took a break from the Queen City’s notorious winters living nearly 14 years in Durham, NC, where he worked in the finance industry, continued his educational pursuits, and earned additional professional credentials. David boomeranged back to Buffalo, became a New York State CPA, and co-founded the consulting group, NuLevel Strategies to be a resource to mission-driven businesses and local nonprofits.  Of his new role, David says, “it’s a unique opportunity to join a great team and get closer to the front-lines of mission-driven nonprofit work.”

David is married with two grown step-kids. He and his wife have dogs (Doberman Pinscher & Dober-Shep mix) and often pursue animal rescue efforts like fostering otherwise homeless pups. When he’s not working, David enjoys making homemade bread and other yummy comfort foods. He enjoys long bike rides and attending local cultural attractions, concerts, and festivals.

Join Us This Summer on SuperStreet

Join the Matt Urban Center and our neighboring community organizations for the kickoff of Summer on SuperStreet at the green space on the corner of Clark and Kent streets. Sponsored by Jericho Road Community Health Center, this initiative will launch on May 15 from 11:00AM to 3:00PM and will continue to provide a variety of programming at the green space every week throughout the summer and early fall. Our Housing & Community Development staff and Youth Department staff will be at the Superman Corner on multiple dates in July and August, to talk with local residents about available programs while providing fun activities for kids! Visit the Summer on Superstreet website for the calendar of events and more information.

Help Us Meet Our Match Campaign Goal!

We’re thrilled to share that through the generosity of our supporters, we raised over $7,000 throughout the month of April, bringing us very close to our goal to raise $10,000 by May 31. Every donation made to the Matt Urban Center between now and May 31 will have double the impact, thanks to a matching donation from The Dolce Firm. We will also be hosting a few giveaways throughout the month on our social media pages, so keep an eye on our Facebook and Instagram for posts on how your donation can get you entered to win prizes! Help us meet our goal to raise $10,000 for our essential programs by following this link: www.urbanctr.org/donate

 

Request for Proposals: Furniture Moving Services

The Matt Urban Center is seeking a qualified contractor to assist in moving donated furniture from the donor’s building (275 Brompton Road, Buffalo, NY 14221) into 15 units of supported housing at 19 Doat Street, Buffalo, NY 14211, and to the Matt Urban Center administrative building at 1081 Broadway, Buffalo, NY 14212.

To view the full request for proposals, click here.

Proposals will be accepted until Friday, April 9th at 3:30 P.M.

Via U.S. Mail or delivery to:
Will Smith, Security
Lt. Col. Matt Urban Human Services Center of WNY
1081 Broadway
Buffalo, NY 14212

Questions on this request for proposals may be directed to rundercoffer@urbanctr.org or to (716) 893 – 7222 ext: 212.

Flower Studio Co. Partners to Support MUC

Just in time for Spring’s upcoming arrival, an exciting new partnership has blossomed!
Flower Studio Co. is a local flower brand, offering a monthly subscription of beautifully curated bouquets with locally sourced, seasonal blooms. As part of their mission, Flower Studio Co. is helping to advance local causes and is partnering with the Matt Urban Center by supporting our cause and helping to bring awareness to our mission!
Flower Studio Co. is also committing a portion of proceeds from every bouquet to be donated to the Matt Urban Center in 2021. When you sign up for a Flower Studio Co. monthly flower subscription, you will receive beautiful flowers to your doorstep every month that will bring joy to you, while also helping support to our organization and those who need it most in our community.
Visit www.flowerstudioco.com to see their beautiful bouquets and SUBSCRIBE today!

Eviction Prevention Funds Available Through STAND UP Buffalo

The Matt Urban Center, in partnership with the City of Buffalo’s STAND UP Buffalo program and 211 WNY, is providing rental assistance to at-risk residents who have been economically impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic. Arrears assistance for a maximum of three months and up to $4500 can be provided to those experiencing a COVID-19 hardship who meet income requirements.
Community members who are interested in applying to this program must first contact 211 WNY for initial intake and eligibility assessment. Those deemed eligible will then be referred to staff at our Matt Urban Hope Center. For more information, please visit www.211wny.org 

Request for Proposals: Bus Transportation Services

The Matt Urban Center operates several after school programs in the City of Buffalo. We are seeking a qualified contractor to assist in bus transportation services from the program location (385 Paderewski Dr.) to each individual student’s home.

Please click here to view the full Request for Proposals.

Proposals will be accepted until Friday, March 19th at 3:30 P.M.

Via U.S. Mail or delivery to:
Will Smith, Security
Lt. Col. Matt Urban Human Services Center of WNY
1081 Broadway
Buffalo, NY 14212

Questions on this request for qualifications may be directed to ztenhuisen@urbanctr.org or to (716) 893 – 7222 ext: 219.

MUC Seeks Bids for Unarmed Security at 19 Doat Street

The Matt Urban Center will begin providing case management services at 19 Doat Street, Buffalo, NY, 14211 in May of 2021. The Matt Urban Center seeks the services of a qualified contractor to assist in unarmed security personnel services at this site.

The full Request for Proposals can be viewed here: RFP Unarmed Security – Crossroads at Genesee 2021

The deadline for submitting a proposal is Friday, February 26 at 3:30 p.m. All bids must be submitted via U.S. Mail or delivery to:

Andrew Linneman, Purchasing Agent
Lt. Col. Matt Urban Human Services Center of WNY
1081 Broadway
Buffalo, NY 14212

Questions on this request for qualifications may be directed to purchasing@urbanctr.org or (716) 893 – 7222 ext: 227.

BURA Launches “STAND UP Buffalo” Initiative

Mayor Byron W. Brown recently announced the launch of the Small Business, Tenants, And Neighborhood Development Underwriting Program or “STAND UP Buffalo” Initiative. The initiative is comprised of a series of direct assistance grants and programs that will allow residents and business owners to respond to the unique challenges the global Coronavirus Pandemic has caused in Buffalo and cities across the nation.

The Matt Urban Center is proud to be one of the community agencies that are partnering with the City to deliver critical services to City residents and small businesses. Other collaborating agencies include:

2-1-1 WNY
Restoration Society
Belmont Housing Resources
Center for Elder Law and Justice
Catholic Charities
Buffalo Urban League
Old First Ward Community Association
Heart of the City Neighborhoods
University District Community Development Association
Housing Opportunities Made Equal
Neighborhood Legal Services
Westminster Economic Development Initiative

“The Matt Urban Center provides a wide range of services to the East Side of Buffalo including, home repairs and weatherization, affordable housing development, multiple programs aimed at addressing homelessness as well as robust programs for youth and seniors,” said Ben Hilligas, Executive Director. Our mission is to provide programs that revitalize neighborhoods, serve families, and change lives. When I hear ‘STAND UP Buffalo’ I immediately think of the strength and resilience of our community and the solidarity we demonstrate and represent as citizens of the City of Buffalo. We thank the Mayor for his commitment to fair and equal housing in the City of Buffalo.”

Read the full press release with more information about the STAND UP Buffalo Initiative by clicking here.

Donor Spotlight: The Sengupta Family

This month we’re highlighting The Sengupta Family – Sourav, Elizabeth, and their two daughters. After touring our Hope Center facility and learning about what we do last year, the family made a very generous personal donation to our Homeless Outreach team, including monies that their daughters had saved up in their piggy bank. Coupled with their donation from last year, the Sengupta Family has provided over $24,500 to support our efforts to meet our homeless clients where they’re at and provide support and resources to keep them safe.
Our Homeless Outreach team is excited to be able to purchase some specialized supplies that they don’t have consistent access to, such as larger sizes of clothing for clients, boots and shoes, storage for donations, and transportation passes.
A tremendous thank you to the Sengupta Family for their generosity and compassion for the clients we serve!