Reverend Matthew M.
"The Homeless Homie"
Matthew Brandon Maders
Founder, Cleopatra's Paws for Peace
Payson, Arizona
Meet the Man Behind the Mission
Reverend Matthew Brandon Maders is a fire academy graduate, ordained minister, EMT, and the creator of the Maders Matrix — a 12-phase framework for resilience born from 1,357 days of survival on the streets of Arizona with his Belgian Shepherd, Cleopatra.
After losing his wife Syndal to cancer in 2019, Matthew's world was shattered. What followed was a journey through 8 Arizona cities, sleeping under Christmas trees, in building alcoves, and on sidewalks — always with Cleopatra by his side, always with a sign that read "Anything Helps."
He never used a single government voucher. He never surrendered Cleopatra. He exited to independent housing in Payson, Arizona, with his dignity intact. And along the way, he developed a philosophy that can help others do the same.
Today, Matthew is building Cleopatra's Paws for Peace — a platform to keep people and their animal companions together during crisis transitions. His story is not a theory. It is proof.
Qualifications & Experience
Fire Academy Graduate
AAS in Fire Science (Honors), Yavapai College, 2013
EMT-Basic Certified
Top 3 in Class • FEMA ICS 100-400
Ordained Minister
Universal Life Church, since 2000
Maders Matrix Creator
12-Phase Architecture for Resilience
1,357 Days Survived
Across 8 Arizona cities, zero vouchers
Community Recognized
Featured in the Payson Roundup, Dec 2024
Life on the Streets
These are real photos from Matthew and Cleopatra's time on the streets of Arizona. No filters. No staging. Just truth.
Matthew's Philosophy
"80% of your thoughts aren't of your own. I can show you."
On the Maders Matrix
"I am a reverend for the streets, preacher on the streets for the streets."
On his calling
"I don't preach God; I give thanks to God and the universe."
On spirituality
"I aspire to inspire people to live and love."
On his mission
"Cleopatra is my home."
The simplest truth of all.
Before the Streets
Matthew graduated from fire academy with honors, earned his EMT-Basic certification (Top 3 in class), and completed FEMA ICS 100-400 training. He served his community as a first responder and was ordained as a minister in 2000.
Life had other plans. But the discipline, the training, and the heart of a first responder — those never left. They became the foundation of the Maders Matrix.
Be Part of the Story
Matthew's journey is proof that love, resilience, and a companion by your side can overcome anything.