Funds Raised Will Help Launch Groundbreaking New Programs in 2025
Buffalo, NY – The Matt Urban Human Services Center is launching its 2024 “Home for the Holidays” campaign to support critical services for Buffalo’s most vulnerable individuals and families. Running from now through December 31, 2024, this year-end fundraising drive seeks to raise $70,000 to help fund the agency’s wide-ranging human services programs and lay the groundwork for exciting new initiatives planned for 2025.
Launching Innovative Programs in 2025
In 2025, the Matt Urban Human Services Center will begin several innovative programs aimed at providing even more comprehensive support to the populations it serves. One of the most significant developments is the creation of a Crisis Response Team (CRT). This team will combine unarmed security and crisis intervention, providing support at the Center’s Permanent Supportive Housing facilities and offering on-call crisis support across other buildings. The CRT will focus on mental health and substance use emergencies, preventing escalation and hospitalization, and ensuring the safety and well-being of tenants and clients.
“The CRT represents a compassionate and innovative approach to ensuring people stay housed and safe, particularly those with serious mental health challenges,” said Ryan Undercoffer, Executive Director. “By providing these services, we can help vulnerable individuals stabilize their lives and avoid cycles of homelessness and institutionalization.”
In addition, as part of its 2025 plan, the Matt Urban Human Services Center will be adding clinical staff to its roster to better address the mental health and substance use disorder needs of its clients in-house. This will allow the agency to offer more comprehensive care on-site, ensuring that clients receive the support they need to live healthier, more stable lives.
On the Mat for Matt Urban Roll-A-Thon
On Saturday, November 23, 2024, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM, the agency will hold a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu roll-a-thon event at Integrity Martial Arts, 1333 Strad Avenue Suite 107, North Tonawanda, NY 14120. Aimed at practitioners of martial arts, for just $20, participants can spar as long as they like with a variety of new training partners, and all proceeds will go toward supporting the Matt Urban Human Services Center’s programs. The Executive Director of the Matt Urban Human Services Center, Ryan Undercoffer, will be sparring for the full three hours to show his support for the agency. This unique event is an opportunity to give back while engaging in a fun, fitness-focused activity. A $10 donation is suggested for spectators.
9th Annual Cookies for a Cause
The ninth annual “Cookies for a Cause” will be held on Sunday, December 14, 2024, from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Flying Bison Brewery. This cookie exchange event, organized by Rebecca Decker, features cookies from Buffalo’s best home bakers, with sales benefiting the Matt Urban Center. Attendees can pick up pre-ordered mixed packs of cookies and explore a pop-up market with local vendors offering holiday gifts. This event has raised nearly $18,000 for the Matt Urban Human Services Center since its inception in 2015. “I organize this event to combine two things I love – baking cookies and giving back to our community, “ Decker said. “It’s a labor of love! It combines the best parts of the holiday season: cookies, charity, and merriment.” Cookie orders can be placed at https://forms.gle/sLnSUSxuMhZH6EtK6.
Santas of Swig Returns to Buffalo Iron Works
The 10th Annual “Santas of Swig” homebrewing competition will take place on Sunday, December 8, 2024, from 1:00 to 4:00 PM at Buffalo Iron Works. Ticketed guests will have the chance to sample up to 20 different beers and cast their vote for the winner. The event also features basket raffles and a toy collection drive benefiting youth in the Matt Urban Human Services Center’s programs. A donation of a new unwrapped toy will earn the donor $10 in raffle tickets, with all proceeds going to support the agency’s youth programs.
More information about the event can be found on Facebook, and tickets for the event are sold at the door for $20. “Homebrewing is all about community. This event is a way for the brewers to give back to the communities which we come from,” said the Sultans of Swig Homebrew Club. “We are excited to continue this annual tradition.” The club also welcomes all who are interested to visit www.sultansofswig.com.
About the Home for the Holidays Campaign
As the holiday season approaches, we often reflect on the warmth, safety, and love that make our homes special. But for many in East Buffalo and beyond, a safe and secure home is far from guaranteed. The Home for the Holidays campaign by the Matt Urban Human Services Center is dedicated to raising funds to provide housing services and support to those who need it most. We believe that everyone deserves a place to call home—a place where they feel safe, supported, and secure. With your help, we can make that a reality for the vulnerable individuals and families we serve.
The campaign will also feature stories and updates on social media about the impact the Matt Urban Human Services Center is making across Buffalo’s East Side, and how community support is vital to the agency’s mission. Supporters should stay tuned for announcements of special fundraising events that will take place during the campaign. Donations can be made via a secure link at http://www.urbanctr.org/donatenow. Contributions will directly support the Center’s life-changing work, including its outreach to individuals experiencing homelessness, youth and senior programming, affordable housing services, and more.
About the Lt. Col. Matt Urban Human Services Center of WNY:
The Matt Urban Human Services Center provides innovative programs and services that empower the most vulnerable individuals and families in Buffalo’s East Side. With a focus on dignity, empowerment, advocacy, and communication, the Center offers housing, homeless outreach, case management, youth and senior services, and more. Our mission is to uplift those we serve by addressing serious mental illness, substance use disorders, poverty, and homelessness through compassionate, person-centered support.
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