Matt Urban
Human Services

"It's a wonderful day at Matt Urban!"

Our mission is to provide compassionate and comprehensive support to Western New York’s most vulnerable populations by addressing the critical issues of poverty, homelessness, mental illness, and substance use disorders. We are dedicated to providing housing, essential services, and person-centered, trauma-informed care that empowers individuals to break cycles of hardship and lead stable, dignified lives. Paired with a focus on systemic change and advocacy for those we serve, we strive to be a beacon of hope and transformation, doing the hardest work to serve those who need it most.

• Get Help
• Donate

A Buffalo-born hero: The remarkable story of Lt. Col. Matt Urban

Born right here on Buffalo’s East Side, Lt. Col. Matt Urban went on to become the most decorated American soldier of WWII. President Carter called him ‘the Greatest Soldier in American History.’We’re proud to carry his name and legacy forward in service to our community.Read his story here!

About MUHS

Departments

ADMINISTRATION — The Administration Department keeps Matt Urban’s daily operations moving with care, coordination, accountability - helping ensure resources are managed responsibly, accurately, and in alignment with the organization’s mission. From employee support, policy implementation, financial oversight, facility coordination, safety procedures, vendor communication, and organizational systems, Administration helps create the structure that allows staff and programs to serve the community effectively. Much of this work happens behind the scenes, but its impact is felt across every department, building, and service.SENIOR — Senior Services helps older adults remain independent, connected, and supported in their homes and communities. Through wellness check-ins, care planning, Meals on Wheels connections, housekeeping support, personal care assistance, transportation resources, benefits assistance, emergency response systems, and referrals for medical equipment and community services, the team serves as a trusted link between seniors and the support they need. At the heart of the department is a simple goal: helping older adults age with dignity, safety, and a helping hand.YOUTH — Youth Services supports young people and families through relationship-centered case management, connection to resources, and guidance that helps youth feel seen, supported, and safe. With its current work connected to Playter Gardens, the department focuses on case management rather than property management, helping youth and families navigate needs, set goals, access services, and build stability within their community. The work is rooted in trust, youth voice, and the belief that young people thrive when they have consistent support and caring adults in their corner.

HOUSING — The Housing Department meets individuals and families at different points in their housing journey, from street outreach and emergency connection to rapid rehousing, scattered-site supports, and permanent supportive housing. The team provides case management, resource navigation, landlord coordination, service planning, and long-term support rooted in trust, dignity, and housing stability. Whether helping someone move from homelessness into housing, maintain their home, or rebuild after chronic instability, the department works from the belief that housing is not the finish line. It is the foundation.1115 WAIVER PILOT PROGRAM - Matt Urban Human Services Center is piloting Housing Navigation services through New York State’s Medicaid 1115 Waiver to help bridge the connection between housing and health. Our team works with eligible individuals who are experiencing housing instability to identify housing options, navigate applications and documentation, connect with landlords and community resources, and address barriers to obtaining and maintaining stable housing. The pilot recognizes what we see every day in our work: safe, stable housing can have a significant impact on a person’s health and overall well-being. By combining housing expertise with health-related supports, we can help individuals achieve greater stability, reduce crises, and build a stronger foundation for long-term success.OUTREACH - Matt Urban Human Services' Street Outreach team meets individuals experiencing homelessness where they are, offering compassion, support, and a pathway toward stable housing. Through consistent outreach and relationship-building, our team connects people with shelter, housing, benefits, health services, and other essential community resources. Working closely with the Homeless Alliance of WNY and other community partners, we help individuals navigate the Coordinated Entry system and take meaningful steps toward safe, permanent housing. At the heart of our work is a simple commitment: treating every person with dignity, respect, and hope.

Help Our Community Grow

Every donation helps neighbors on Buffalo’s East Side find housing, stability, and support.
At Matt Urban, we meet people where they are and connect them to the resources that help them move forward. Your gift helps someone weather a hard decision and take the next step toward lasting growth.Donate today, for someone else’s better tomorrow!

Community Distribution EventThe North Beacon Project was honored to partner with Matt Urban Human Services for a community distribution day filled with connection, generosity, and purpose.With the support of both of our amazing teams, donation rows of clothing, toys, hygiene products, household goods, seasonal items, and other everyday essentials for neighbors and families in need.Together, we were able to serve over 250 individuals and families in attendance at our Hope House location of 243 Sears Street on June 26th 2026 from 1pm-4pm.

Spread The Love: The Neightbor Nourish Pop UpOur wonderful Street Outreach team is doing a food pop-up at downtown NFTA station on June 24th, 2026 from 4pm-7pm as well as at 243 Sears Street in our Hope House parking lot from 1pm-4pm on June 26th, 2026.Come grab some PB&J and spread the love!

Aging Well Open House!This May, we’re opening our doors for an afternoon centered around connection, support, wellness, and community for adults 55+ here on Buffalo’s East Side.We’re grateful to be joined by Jericho Road Community Health Center and Bee Sweet as part of the day as well. 🌼📅 Tuesday, May 19, 2026
⏰ 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
📍 Matt Urban Center – 3rd Floor Baer Room
1081 Broadway, Buffalo, NY 14212

Join us for the Charitable Dyngus Day Run in Buffalo, NY! This festive 5K race will take you on a fun and energizing trot through the heart of the city, celebrating Polish heritage and community spirit.All proceeds from the event will go directly to Matt Urban Human Services, an incredible organization dedicated to providing essential resources and support to families in need.The race will begin near the Buffalo Zoo, with the afterparty and awards ceremony taking place by the Parkside Lodge at 84 Parkside Ave, Buffalo.

Dyngus Day 2025Each year, Buffalonians of Polish heritage gather to celebrate the Dyngus Day holiday following Easter. Our organization chooses to celebrate our roots as the Polish Community Center of Buffalo with a call to action:
“Do Good on Dyngus Day.”

3rd Annual Matt Urban Human Services Charitable Golf TournamentJoin us at the 3rd annual Charitable Golf Tournament! Matt Urban Human Services is honored to be the beneficiary of this event again this year, with proceeds going to our programs that help revitalize neighborhoods, serve families, and change lives in Buffalo, NY. This year’s event will take place on Saturday, September 6, 2025, in the morning, shotgun start. More details to follow.

Charitable “Matt Urban’s Trick or Trot” on October 25, 2025, at 10 AM in Buffalo, NY!This 5K race will take you on a fun and energizing trot through Delaware Park, Buffalo, NY, celebrating Halloween spirit. All proceeds will support the Matt Urban Human Services, helping to provide essential resources for families facing housing displacement, along with other vital community resources including a food pantry, clothing closet, senior services, youth and family services, community development, and workforce development.

Presented by Matt Urban Human Services in partnership with Integrity Martial ArtsJoin us for a unique and high-energy fundraising event: On the Mat for Matt Urban, a Roll-A-Thon hosted in collaboration with Integrity Martial Arts, owned by Jeff Denz. This event helps raise critical funds to support the essential programs we provide to Buffalo’s most vulnerable populations.

This program is created for individuals who want to improve their job prospects and build real-world customer service skills — no prior experience required.By enrolling, you will receive:

And best of all — it’s completely FREE.

WHO SHOULD APPLY?Is This Program Right for You?This program is a great fit if you:

No experience required.
Just a willingness to show up and learn.

Orville’s Journey

We’re excited to introduce you to Orville, one of our dedicated employees who prepares meals for our community. Orville’s journey has been challenging—he battled alcohol addiction for nearly 30 years, losing touch with his family and struggling without a home. Despite multiple stints in rehab, it wasn’t until 2019 that things began to change when a rehab center offered him the chance to study culinary arts. Orville has recognized the destructive role alcohol played in his life, and his family is thrilled to have him back in their lives as the person they always knew he could be. In 2020, Orville joined the Matt Urban Center, where with the support of Shayla, Adria, Abigail, Mr. Gordon, and others, he found stability. He’s been sober for over a year and a half now and has reconnected with his children and ex-wife, who are thrilled with his transformation.We are incredibly proud of Orville and all that he has accomplished. His story is one of perseverance, hope, and the power of community support. We wish Orville continued success, happiness, and the joy of building even stronger connections with his family. He is an inspiration to us all.

"Hello, my name is Felicia, and I am a client of the Rapid Rehousing Program. Pictured here are my daughter and me. I experienced homelessness for three years due to the pandemic that caused significant disruption worldwide and affected many families. At the end of 2023, I was referred to the Rapid Rehousing Program and was fortunate enough to receive housing through the agency on January 1st, 2024, in a 4-bedroom home for my family and me. I am incredibly grateful for the support they provided to me and my children, helping us regain stability. As someone with a disability, this program has also positively impacted my health, as my health was in a poorer state before joining. The staff has been exceptionally helpful and understanding, and I am thankful for a community that genuinely cares about the well-being of others. In the future, I hope to assist others facing homelessness. Thank you to my Housing Manager and to the Matt Urban Center for their unwavering support. Thank you to the Rapid Rehousing Program. I look forward to learning about other programs that offer assistance to those in need."

Felicia’s Story of
Hope and Gratitude

Sean's Story of
Transformation

The Matt Urban Permanent Supportive Housing Team has done exceptional work, helping many individuals like Sean find stability, support, and hope.
Sean came to us a year and a half ago, facing challenges with alcohol addiction, homelessness, and separation from his family and children. Through the dedicated efforts of our staff, Sean received housing, guidance to overcome his addiction, and support with essential needs like food and clothing.Today, Sean’s journey is a testament to his resilience and determination. Motivated by the belief that he deserves the best, he has successfully overcome his addiction, found employment in non-emergency transportation, and more recently, secured a position in stadium construction. Beyond financial stability, he has reconnected with his children, building precious bonds that mean the world to him and his family. We are deeply proud of Sean’s progress and are inspired by his story. His achievements remind us of the power of support, hope, and the human spirit.We wish Sean all the best in his continued journey forward!

Sadio’s journey with the Matt Urban Housing First program is a testament to his resilience and determination. Since joining in June 2023, he worked closely with Journeys End to obtain his U.S. work visa, driven by a singular goal: to find employment and give back to the community that had supported him.During his time in the program, Sadio valued every opportunity and resource provided, maintaining independence despite lacking a steady income. His commitment to personal responsibility was evident, as he took excellent care of his apartment and made sure to provide for himself without asking for additional support.In March 2024, after nearly a year of dedication, Sadio’s efforts paid off when he was granted his work visa. Sadio spent several months walking the streets of Broadway, William, and Clinton, applying to stable job opportunities.
By the end of September 2024, Sadio finally received the good news he had been waiting for—he secured a stable position at Buffalo News Press.This job was not only a source of great pride for Sadio but also marked the beginning of a new chapter. Sadio’s story is one of perseverance, hope, and deep gratitude for the support he received from the Matt Urban Housing First program

Sadio’s Journey

A Journey of Courage:
Devene’s Story

We’re honored to share the story of Devene—a strong, determined woman who faced incredible challenges and found the courage to start over for the sake of her children and herself.In 2018, Devene moved from Buffalo to Ohio with her young son to begin a new chapter with her husband, filled with hope and dreams of a happy, supportive family life. The following year, they welcomed a beautiful daughter. But soon after, the relationship began to change. What started as emotional strain and manipulation gradually escalated into verbal and physical abuse.After her daughter was born, things became more difficult, and over time, there were multiple incidents of physical violence. Devene found the strength to take action by pressing charges and returning to Buffalo to protect her children and begin again. But the journey was far from over.Even after she left, her husband continued to manipulate and intimidate her—sometimes using false identities to communicate and making emotional threats. Fearing for her family’s safety and feeling immense pressure, Devene returned, hoping for real change. Promises were made, but the situation did not improve. Ultimately, she made the brave decision to leave for good and fully separate herself and her children from that harmful environment.In 2021, after another difficult period, Devene reached out for help and was connected with the Matt Urban Center. Our team helped her find safe housing and access vital resources for her family. She and her children also received emotional support and counseling to begin healing from their experiences.With time, care, and the right support, Devene began rebuilding her life. Her divorce was finalized in 2023, and in 2024 she took a major step forward by enrolling in a nursing program. Thanks to her hard work and the stability she found, she successfully completed her studies and began a new career.Today, Devene is thriving. She has created a safe, loving home for her children, and is embracing a new beginning with strength and hope. We are proud to have supported her on this journey and inspired by her resilience. We wish her and her family continued peace, happiness, and success.