March 26, 2017

Remembering Matt Young.

We were heartbroken to learn that our very dear friend and colleague, Matt Young, died on Thursday morning after a long illness. 

In 2000, Matt Young created, established and began leading what has become the nationally-recognized Howard Center Street Outreach Program.  When he started the program, his vision was to deliver street-based support to a population in our downtown – mostly unserved by traditional methods and services – who had psychiatric disabilities, substance abuse problems, homelessness issues and unmet social service needs.  Matt believed that through supportive listening, active problem-solving, daily monitoring of symptoms and behaviors and limit-setting, Church Street and our downtown could remain a welcoming and vibrant destination for everyone to enjoy.

Matt was admired and respected by everyone – business owners, downtown employees, people receiving the team’s services, Burlington Police, and City and State officials.  Because Matt had been a business owner and manager in a previous career, he had a keen understanding of the challenges of owning and operating a business in our downtown, and connected easily with our merchants and restaurateurs.  People receiving services were drawn to Matt’s love for all human beings and his compassionate and accepting nature. 

He was always quick to give credit to others, humbly shying away from the limelight and the many accolades he received over the years. He was also an avid golfer and even traveled to Scotland to play at St Andrews, one of world’s oldest golf courses.

The great work of Matt and his team influenced other communities in the US. Most recently, Fort Collins, CO and Ithaca, NY have launched street outreach programs modeled after the Burlington program.

We send our support and love to Matt’s wife, Sheryl, and to the members of the Howard Center Street Outreach Team who will continue Matt’s work: Tammy Boudah, Hannah Toof, Casey Lee and Eric Goldmann.