It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of Martin “Marty” C. Dunbar, our beloved RCHR Board Chair, and Chair of the TRIP Governance Committee. Marty, who passed peacefully on January 16, 2025, at the age of 77, was a dedicated member of the TRIP/RCHR Board since January 2014. He served as TRIP’s Vice Chair and Chair during his time with us, providing unwavering leadership and guidance to the organization.

Beyond his leadership role, Marty was a wealth of knowledge, a historian, a mentor, and most importantly, a dear friend to all who had the privilege of working with him. His thoughtful guidance and invaluable insights, always delivered with a warmth and fatherly tone, will be deeply missed by the TRIP & RCHR community.

Marty’s legacy extends far beyond TRIP & RCHR. He was a pillar of the Troy community, where he had lived since 1973, and the City of Troy, where he made lasting contributions through his years of service in public administration. A graduate of Catholic Central High School and Siena College, Marty was deeply committed to his community and nation. He served over 25 years in the Army Reserves and National Guard, achieving the rank of Lt. Colonel. His professional career spanned roles in state and local government, including Urban Renewal in Troy and Albany, the N.Y.S. Division of Military and Naval Affairs, Comptroller for the City of Troy, and Commissioner of Administration for the N.Y.S. Department of Labor. Throughout his career, Marty was a confident yet humble leader, always taking pride in helping advance the careers of others.

Marty’s commitment to service was reflected not only in his professional life but in his dedication to his family and faith. A devoted parishioner of Sacred Heart Church, he was also an active board member of the ARC of Rensselaer County and TRIP & RCHR. His passion for public service extended into local politics, where he served as a committeeman and provided counsel to many local administrations.

Marty’s most cherished role was that of a family man. He met the love of his life, Sarah (Sally) Ryan, during his senior year of high school, and they married in 1969, sharing more than 55 years of love and partnership. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his loving children, Amy Dunbar (Jude) Kaiser, Martin (Lottie) Dunbar, and the late Rebecca (Becky) Dunbar. He was a cherished grandfather to Ryan Kaiser, Morgan Kaiser, Georgia Dunbar, May Dunbar, and Martin J.M. Dunbar. He is also survived by his dear siblings, Marianne (late James) Walter, Diane Dunbar, and Ann Marie Dunbar, as well as his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Kathy (Jack) Murphy, Chris (Bob) Baker, and Jane (Bob) Dawson, and several nieces and nephews

Marty’s legacy of love, service, and dedication to his family, friends, and community will live on in all those whose lives he touched. His passing leaves a void in our hearts, but his memory and the impact he made on our lives will remain with us always. We honor his remarkable life and will continue to carry forward his work in the spirit of his devotion to making a difference.

Marty will be deeply missed, but his influence will continue to guide us at TRIP & RCHR and in the many communities he served.

Update: Due to illness, there will NOT be a pet pantry on January 20 as had originally been posted. The first pet pantry event will be Wednesday, January 22. Thank you for your understanding and apologies for any inconvenience.

Don’t miss our pop-up pet food pantry! Cat and dog food, plus some pet accessories, will be available while supplies last.

378 10th Street

Troy, NY 12180

1:00PM – 3:00PM

• Wednesday, January 22
• Wednesday, March 19
• Wednesday, May 21
• Wednesday, July 16
• Wednesday, September 17
• Wednesday, November 19

Stop by to share your concerns and learn about services & pet care. All pet questions welcomed!

It’s tax prep time. It’s fun to dream about what you might do with the money: a weekend getaway, make a down payment on a new car, take yourself on a shopping spree. But if you are a renter, TRIP would like you to consider putting your tax return toward a house of your own. Visit one of our HUD-certified housing counselors and find out how to best use the money toward the goal of home ownership. It might be paying down debt or maybe you’re in a good spot to start looking for houses while you complete our home buyer orientation. Our programs help you maximize the money from Uncle Sam. When it comes to filing your taxes, there are a several options for free tax prep. Virtual VITA, our local United Way, and the IRS itself. Income limits are higher than you might think. Some programs accept customers who made up to $64,000 in 2023. This time next year, you could be planning an improvement project in a house that belongs to you.

TRIP has a new president and CEO.

Noah Baum, previously TRIP’s Chief Operating Officer, was appointed by a unanimous vote of TRIP’s Board of Directors.

Chairman Elbert Watson announced the news at a staff meeting to an exuberant round of applause.

“He’s a true leader,” said Demetria Canty, TRIP’s Director of Property Management. “He’s kind, compassionate and I know he will bring us to new heights. I appreciate how he is always taking care of the team.”

Baum is only the sixth person to lead TRIP since it was founded in 1968. Four of the remaining previous leaders will gather from 4 to 7 p.m. at Ryan’s Wake on Nov. 14 to celebrate Baum’s appointment. Supporters can expect to hear stories about the work and mission of this vital nonprofit and how it has changed lives for the better in Troy and beyond. Tickets to the Pass the Torch Celebration are available online.

Baum joined TRIP in 2016, the same year his predecessor, Christine Nealon, was appointed President and CEO. Nealon resigned in July and the TRIP board entered a three-month period of consideration before making an appointment. Baum was the acting president during that time.

Baum has spent his entire career in nonprofit finance. Prior to TRIP, he worked as the financial manager at St. Peter’s Health Care Partners and before that he was the director of financial planning and operations at Seton Health System. Baum is a native of the region and lives with his family in Raymertown.

“I am humbled by the opportunity,” Baum said. “We have a tremendous staff I look forward to continuing to work with and I love working with our board.”

Christine Nealon, President and CEO of Troy Rehabilitation and Improvement Program (TRIP) since 2016, announced she will step away from the role as of July 7.

Noah Baum, TRIP’s Chief Operating Officer, will become Acting President and CEO. Nealon will remain with the organization as a consultant for the foreseeable future.

“Christine upgraded everything here and made TRIP more efficient so we could more effectively pursue our mission,” said Elbert Watson, newly-elected Chair of TRIP’s Board of Directors. “She and her team also successfully shepherded the organization through the COVID-19 pandemic. I am sorry to see her step down, but she leaves us with a highly capable management team.”

TRIP and RCHR (Rensselaer County Housing Resources) partners with its neighbors to build financial capabilities and assets. TRIP fosters strong balanced communities composed of safe, comfortable, and affordable homes for owners and renters. TRIP has been part of the Troy community for more than 50 years. Its team of experts offer home ownership education, financial coaching, landlord training, home repair services and homeowner assistance by through grants.

“I am proud of the work TRIP has done to build communities that are financially stable to reduce vacant and abandoned homes,” Nealon said.

TRIP and Unity House completed the development of Hillside Views, a neighborhood revitalization project in North Central Troy to create 51 new apartments in 8 scattered site buildings. TRIP and RCHR again received an exemplary rating from NeighborWorks America, a national housing organization of which TRIP and RCHR is a charter member.

“Christine has worked tirelessly to partner with residents as they invest in the community’s economy as home and business owners, customers, employer and leaders,” said Noah Baum. “Under her leadership, TRIP has expanded its reach and impact in the community.”

Baum has also been with TRIP since 2016. He has played a significant role in the success of the organization and has a deep understanding of the vision moving forward.

“I am honored to take on this role and continue the work our team has done for TRIP and the community,” said Mr. Baum. “I am committed to ensuring that TRIP remains a strong and sustainable force in Troy.”

Ready to Build on Foundation of Round One Success

Sponsored by Troy Savings Bank Foundation

After an exciting and successful first round of our Lansingburgh Strong Reimagine and Revitalize Grant Program, we are pleased and proud to announce that we’re back for a second round of supporting neighborhood homeowner investment.

Open to residents and property owners between 107th and 120th Streets between 7th and 9th Avenues in Lansingburgh, Lansingburgh Strong matches costs of street-facing home improvements for participants dollar for dollar up to $1,000, doubling the value of your improvements.

If you live in the neighborhood, please join us as we celebrate the success of the first year and launch year two of Lansingburgh Strong:

When: Tuesday, April 5, 2022, 7-8pm

Where: Knickerbacker Middle School Auditorium

We will have a brief presentation on the program and hear testimonials from those who participated in round one. We also will have program applications available and staff who can answer any questions and guide you through the process.

In 2021, the first round of the program, Lansingburgh Strong matched $17,832 of homeowner investments, doubling the impact at twelve participating properties where improvements included fence replacement, driveway sealant, stair replacement and landscaping. In addition, Lansingburgh Strong makes unrestricted grants available for public improvements undertaken by neighborhood volunteers, which last year resulted in boulevard landscaping.

We wish to thank Troy Savings Bank Foundation for its generous financial support of Lansingburgh Strong and our participating neighbors for their partnership and investment in the first year of the program.