National Night Out 2014

Come out for Safety and Community!  

August 5th 6pm - dusk

There will be two National Night Out events in Troy on August 5th.  Come out and meet hundreds of friends, neighbors, police, and more from 6 pm to dusk on Tuesday, August 5th. 

• Burden Iron Works Neighborhood Group will sponsor an event at the Burden Museum 
• Hillside North Neighborhood Association will sponsor an event at the 7^th Avenue Park

Come join the fun! 

More Than Housing

Did you know TRIP is more than just housing?

We are a helping hand on the pathway to community.

Here is a small sample of how we invest in people who are working everyday to stabilize neighborhoods... 

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We Appreciate Your Generous Support

Your Donation Matters

"TRIP rents apartments at affordable prices."

"Really? I thought TRIP helps people become homeowners."

"No, TRIP is about rehabbing old, unmarketable homes and making them useable again."

"Hmm, I thought TRIP supported neighborhood leaders and associations."

Many people don't know that TRIP does all of the above... and more. These core activities enable us to work towards our mission and vision, which is about people, homes, and communities.

We hope you will take ten minutes to watch a video entitled "TRIP - More Than Housing: Building Leadership." it will give you an idea of the impact we can make upon one individual and where that can lead. Enjoy!

To make a secure donation to the work of TRIP, click here.
Or
Please make check payable to:
Troy Rehabilitation and Improvement Program, Inc. or TRIP and mail to:

TRIP
415 River Street
Troy, NY 12180

First Annual Statewide Neighborhood Revitalization Conference Warmly Received

On Saturday, September 22nd, urban planners, local officials, and neighborhood activists from Buffalo, Cheektowaga, Syracuse, Johnson City, Newburgh, and Bennington, as well as a contingent representing the Capital District from Albany, Troy, Schenectady, Latham, Amsterdam, and Cropseyville gathered together on Russell Sage campus to share knowledge and ideas about neighborhood revitalization. Topics covered included: green projects, vacant building rehabilitation, community policing, reclaiming public spaces, community art projects, and much more.

Alan Mallach addresses the conference attendees Saturday morning

Earlier that weekend, on Friday night, James Kunstler gave a keynote speech for the conference's kickoff. Alan Mallach delivered another keynote on Saturday morning, which served to successfully lead conference attendees into a thought-provoking and highly educational day.

The discussion started at the conference is on-going as new projects are brought up and more questions are asked. Please visit www.nyneighborhoods.org to take part! If you missed out on the sessions this year, don't worry-- another revitalization conference is already in the works for the fall of 2013!

Statewide Neighborhood Revitalization Conference: Strengthening Neighborhoods Strengthens New York

The first annual Statewide Neighborhood Revitalization Conference is almost here! Will you be there?

On September 21st and 22nd, Troy will host this grassroots community event bringing in neighborhood advocates from all over New York State. The conference will be held at Russell Sage College in Troy.

On Friday night, mingle with people from different communities and attend a keynote speech from writer, speaker, and local activist James Kunstler, author of The Long Emergency and The Geography of Nowhere. This event is free and open to the public.

Registration for workshops and discussions on Saturday, the 22nd, is open at www.nyneighborhoods.org. The day's events will start early with breakfast and another keynote speech, this time from housing, planning, and community development advocate and scholar Alan Mallach, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution. Following will be a large panel discussion and breakout workshops with community leaders from across New York State.

This conference is sure to energize all who attend to return to their communities with new ideas and renewed passion!

Announcing the 2012 Troy Treasure Awardee: Michael A. Esposito

TRIP is proud to announce that this year's "Troy Treasure" awardee is Michael Esposito!  As a lifelong resident of Troy, he has been chosen for his tireless, lifelong efforts toward improving Troy's Little Italy as well as the entire city.  He has also helped to preserve Troy's history by serving for years as the city's unofficial historian. Mike will be recognized at TRIP & RCHR's annual Homecoming Dinner on October 29th.

Early on Mike recognized the potential in our city and has dedicated his life to supporting Troy through his activism, organizing, and recording our history through stories. One of his most ambitious projects was the book "Troy's Little Italy."  Mike is also an integral force in organizing community events including an annual stickball tournament, celebrations of famous Troy residents, and Troy's annual International Festival.

As Frank Visco says, and many would agree... "Mike has the goods." 

Congratulations, Mike, on being this year's "Troy Treasure!"

For tickets to the Annual Homecoming Dinner call Gail at 272-8289 ext. 212 or email at gail@triponline.org.

Troy's National Night Out

Police-community solidarity brought out the crowds last Tuesday, August 7th. Troy celebrated National Night Out with plenty of food and fun while educating residents about the importance of coming together against crime.

The North Troy event was held at the 10th Street pocket park and offered important community information as well as a Bouncy Bounce and airbrush tattoos!

Down in South Troy, residents gathered at the Burden Iron Works Museum for live music, a clown making balloon animals, and a meatball eating contest!

Troy police officers were in high attendance at both events offering tours of the Mobile Command Center vehicles.

National Night Out is a popular, annual event, and 2012 did not disappoint. One resident of the Hillside North neighborhood summed up the event nicely saying "It's great to see everyone out. We never had anything like this when I was young, and it's nice to see people coming together..."

Volunteers Needed for National Night Out

Do you want to help promote community/police partnerships in Troy? Both North and South Troy are hosting National Night Out events, and organizers are looking for volunteers!

If you would like to know more about Troy's National Night Out plans or are interested in volunteering please contact :
North Troy-- Claire at TRIP, claire@triponline.org or (518) 272-8289 x213.
South Troy-- Jane Snay of the Burden Iron Works Neighborhood Association, frinz40@hotmail.com

To learn more about National Night Out visit http://www.nationaltownwatch.org/nno/

Full-Time AmeriCorps*VISTA Positions Available, November 2012- November 2013

TRIP is seeking two motivated and energetic people to join our team for one year through AmeriCorpsVISTA. If you are interested in making a change in Troy and the world while sharing and/or gaining valuable experience and skills, this is a great opportunity for you!

Our VISTA volunteers will promote community involvement and healthy neighborhoods while furthering TRIP's commitment to bringing green and sustainable practices and resources to our customers and the community. We welcome your creativity, energy, and enthusiasm and promise you an opportunity to learn and make an impact in return.

AmeriCorps*VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) offers a modest living stipend and end of year benefit. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and a U.S. citizen. For more information about VISTA go to http://www.americorps.gov/for_individuals/choose/vista.asp.

Applications will be accepted until August 3, 2012. For more information or to submit a letter of interest and resume contact hilary@triponline.org or TRIP, 415 River Street, Troy, NY 12180.

Promote Your Community, Write a "Troy's Treasures" Column

Does your neighborhood have great programs happening? Do you know of a compelling, historical Troy figure or story that you want to share? Want to publicize or report on a neighborhood event? Share your story through the "Troy's Treasures" column!

"Troy's Treasures" is published in the Troy Record every other Sunday. Any Troy resident is welcome to write a column promoting the positive programs, events, history, etc. happening in his or her neighborhood. If you would like to write a column or have an idea for an article, contact Claire Pitts at TRIP and sign up for a publication date. Claire can be reached by phone at (518) 272-8289 x213 or email her at claire@triponline.org.

To read past "Troy's Treasures" articles click here: http://triponline.org/news_and_events/TroyTreasuresArticles.html.

Paint the Boards Project Livens Up Vacant Buildings in the Hillside North Neighborhood

Nearing the last day of school, the entire sixth grade class of Troy Public School 2 walked the streets of the surrounding neighborhood with community leaders and elected officials. Trailed by local news cameras, the students pointed with pride to their artwork which is now vibrantly displayed on five vacant buildings. The paintings, which resulted from a school/ Arts Center/ community partnership, highlight courage, pride, and the importance of freedom. Not only do they brighten the neighborhood, they put civic pride and artistry in the place of abandonment and blight. While these buildings wait to be put back into productive use, they are able to be artistic landmarks and points of pride and interest in the community.

Artist Marcus Kwame Anderson stands with
School 2 6th Graders as they present their paintings

Two of the painted boards currently installed on 348 9th St.

Before this exciting unveiling could take place School 2 faculty, in conjunction with TRIP and the Hillside North Neighborhood Association, sat down to plan a cross-curricular project for sixth grade students based on Troy's role in the Underground Railroad. Planning began in the fall of 2011, and the project was first introduced to the students during their Black History Month celebration in February 2012. Students simultaneously learned an in-depth history of the Underground Railroad, researched its local history, and began sketching ideas with the help of local artist Marcus Kwame Anderson.  From Mr. Anderson, the students learned about powerful symbols integral to the Underground Railroad: lanterns, stars, quilt patterns, etc. Working in groups of three or four, the sixth graders also learned to collaborate and compromise on a long-term project. Throughout all this art education, their teachers continued guiding the students through the history being illustrated.

Students and guests appreciate the beautiful paintings

As it is with many city neighborhoods, the community around School 2 is peppered with vacant buildings. Last year, the Hillside North Neighborhood Association formed a cohesive, long-term plan to tackle this issue and simultaneously beautify their streets. The neighborhood group holds that education about recycling, beautification, and civic responsibility and pride will be most effective when begun in childhood. Here, the idea of collaborating with School 2 and the beginnings of the Paint the Boards project began.

Thank you to all who played a role in this project: Marcus Anderson, School 2 faculty and staff, especially Principal Martin, the 6th Grade teachers: Janet Morandi and Joanne Valenti, and School 2 art teacher, Rebecca Lyons, TRIP staff, the Hillside North Neighborhood Association, the Rensselaer Society of Engineers Fraternity, and of course a huge THANK YOU and CONGRATULATIONS to the School 2 6th Grade students!

The boards are currently installed on five buildings: 348 9th St, 331 10th St, 341 10th, 427 10th, and 443 10th.

If you would like to see more photos from this project please visit: http://triponline.org/news_and_events/PainttheBoards2012.html

This project was made possible in part through an Artists in Schools Grant, a program funded by The Arts Center of the Capital Region through the New York State Council on the Arts, a state agency.

Statewide Neighborhood Conference Scheduled, September 21-22, 2012

Thanks to the vision of local business owner Rocco DeFazio and the efforts of a hardworking team of city residents, Troy is proud to host the first New York State Neighborhood Revitalization Conference on September 21st and 22nd at Russell Sage College. This conference will bring together neighborhood activists, educators, business people, and elected officials to share successes and develop strategies to maintain healthy communities. Throughout the conference, attendees will hear from and work with diverse neighborhood leaders and activists from across the state, including keynote speakers Alan Mallach and James Kunstler.

For more information or to assist, please see the initial announcement at www.nyneighborhoods.org/announcement and/or visit the website, www.nyneighborhoods.org.

Arts Grant and CLI Action Grant Awarded

Congratulations to Public School 2 and the Hillside North Neighborhood Association ("The Hill") on the awarding of two grants!  Project applications earned $2,500 and $2,000 respectively!

School 2's "Artists in Schools" Grant will fund a student-based, co-curricular "Paint the Boards" art project in collaboration with TRIP and The Hill.  Sixth grade students and teachers will work with local artist Marcus Kwame Anderson to create large, painted boards that will be installed over the plywood currently covering windows of vacant buildings in the neighborhood.

Combining art and social studies, the pieces will focus on a theme of the Underground Railroad and the rich history it has here in Troy.  Finally, once the project is completed, the sixth graders will lead the younger students on a walking tour of the paintings installed in the neighborhood fostering greater public speaking skills and civic pride.

If you are curious to see Mr. Anderson's work please visit his website: http://www.marcuskwame.com/

Further enlivening the Hillside North Neighborhood, the Community Leadership Institute (CLI) Action Grant that TRIP applied for on behalf of the neighborhood's plan has been awarded!  The plan was created by The Hill's leaders while attending a national CLI conference with TRIP last fall.  These funds, provided by NeighborWorks America, will support the Cleaner and Greener Campaign currently underway.

In an effort to beautify the neighborhood and educate residents about environmental issues, The Hill is working on projects to promote recycling and discourage littering.  Street clean-ups have been happening, and will continue, at least once a month.  Additionally, the group intends to add public trash cans along the sidewalks to increase people's use of them as they walk in order to reduce littering.  Other community projects will include: neighborhood flower plantings, a mural at School 2, and continued educational programs about healthy homes and neighborhoods.

Congratulations again to everyone involved!  We are so excited to work with you on these projects and can't wait to see the beautiful results!

69 Middleburgh Plans and Progress

As we reported in December, TRIP’s rehab project for 2012 is 69 Middleburgh St. in Troy. Architectural drawings for a 3-unit building (one 1-bedroom and two 2-bedrooms) have been done up, and TRIP is going to bid with contractors this month.

Numerous Middleburgh residents have made a point to thank the people working at the site. They, like us, understand that this rehab is more than a single building—it helps to set a standard of living and serves as an example that people care about where they live.

69 Middleburgh prior to any renovations

Artist Randy Rumpf’s rendering of the completed rehab

TNAC Meeting Scheduled

Keeping the momentum rolling into 2012!  TNAC (Troy Neighborhoods Action Council) has scheduled a meeting for Wednesday, February 1 at 7 PM.  Interested residents and community leaders are invited to gather from 7-8:30 PM at The Hill Street Inn at 202 4^th Street.  Neighborhood groups are encouraged to come prepared to tell a story about something that has worked well for them so that we can celebrate our successes and share best practices among neighborhoods.  Other agenda items are welcome; please send to hilary@triponline.org ahead of time.  Hope to see you on February 1^st!

Vote to Help RCHR

Are you on Facebook? Chase Community Giving is offering grants to non-profit organizations. These groups need to be in the top 200 to win!
TRIP's rural component Rensselaer County Housing Resources is also asking for your vote. Vote for Rensselaer County Housing Resources to get $20,000!

Ends Monday, July 12, 2010 at 4:00pm

To vote, click on the link below and sign in to Facebook. Click the button at the top right of the screen that says "Click here to start to vote" Once you finish the windows, you are able to click the "Vote Now" Button for RCHR.


Rensselaer County Housing Resources, Inc

A Commitment to Education

What is the impact of providing Homebuyer Education? Or Landlord Training? Or Money Management Classes? How many of us emerged from high school with a sound financial education? Did we know the difference between an ARM and a fixed rate mortgage? Did we learn practical money management skills in the classroom? Was financial literacy a concern for our well-rounded education? Did we get tested on our financial IQ?

Everyday, TRIP is making a difference in our neighborhoods by providing the information that helps people make informed decisions, empowers homeowners, strengthens neighborhoods and brings a sense of pride in community.