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
Letter from the Executive Director
Eviction Prevention Funds Available Through STAND UP Buffalo
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.
Remembering Earl Blacksheare
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.
Afterschool Programming Returns to Polonia Hall
We’re excited that in-person afterschool programming will return to our Polonia Hall site at 385 Paderewski Drive, beginning March 1, 2021. We will be following COVID-19 guidelines and limiting the number of participants in the program for safety reasons.
To fill out an application to participate in the afterschool program, click here.
Please contact Justin Larke at jlarke@urbanctr.org or at (716) 893-7222 x311 for more information.