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.
MUC Housing Department Expands Reach
Our Housing & Community Development Department is excited to announce being awarded the 2020 Community Partnership Initiative through Buffalo Urban Renewal Agency. This year will mark over 20 years that we have been serving the East Side of Buffalo with home repair assistance and other programming through this contract, and is an exciting time with the expansion of our service area to include many additional East Side neighborhoods. We look forward to continuing our partnership with BURA. For more information call 716-893-7222 x213.
To find out if the Matt Urban Center is the community based organization that serves your neighborhood, click here and submit your property address.
Buffalo Urban League Homebuyer Seminar
First Time Homebuyer Orientation @ MUC
The Buffalo Urban League, in partnership with the City of Buffalo, Buffalo Urban Renewal Agency, and Evans Bank, will host a first time homebuyer orientation at the Matt Urban Center on Thursday, December 13 from 6:00-7:00 p.m.
The class will include an overview of the home buying process, how to apply for a mortgage, tax benefits, credit repair and counseling, budgeting and more.
The class is free and open to the public, but you must register by calling (716) 250-2418. Please notify organizers in advance if you require special accommodations.
Creating Homeowners in Our Community
The Matt Urban Center’s Housing & Community Development department is thrilled to share that we have renovated and sold three properties in the Broadway Fillmore and South Buffalo communities to low-income first-time homebuyers!
One of the properties, located at 933 Fillmore Avenue, was owned by a couple who no longer live in the neighborhood. It had been their dream to fix up the house, but unfortunately they did not have the resources. They originally purchased the home for $18,000, but they decided to sell it to the Matt Urban Center for $1.00 so that it could be renovated and once again become an asset to the neighborhood.