Troy

Denise Dunham is hoping for a miracle.

Dunham grew up in the once densely packed Mount Ida neighborhood on the hill just above downtown Troy. Over the years, she has watched businesses close, families move and buildings disappear, victims of decay or demolition.

As the neighborhood faltered, Dunham's affection for it and her loyalty to its residents grew more resolute. She runs a home day care business two blocks from Mount Ida Community Baptist Church at 560 Congress St., where the Mount Ida Food Pantry is housed.

That's where Dunham, the pantry's coordinator since it opened in 2000, and a core group of volunteers can be found every Saturday morning, distributing food to more than 500 neighbors in need. But the pantry's running on borrowed time.

"The church was in financial distress because its congregation shrunk drastically, and they just couldn't do it anymore," said Dunham, who learned that the pantry has less time than she originally thought after the building was sold. "We've been lucky because I was a member there as a kid and had a foot in the door, so they gave us a key and we could meet people for emergencies, like if someone didn't have any food or formula."

The pantry serves people most in need — those making choices between paying the bills, buying medication or putting food on the table. That's why Dunham said the volunteers are desperate to find a new place to call home — and fast.

Many residents who use the service can't afford transportation and live within walking distance of the pantry. Dunham said that in order to best serve them, the new space has to be located in the Ida Hill neighborhood.

"We see familiar faces each week," she said, mentioning seniors, vets andparents working one or two jobs to make ends meet. "But sometimes the food runs out by the end of the month, so we always try to make sure there's something here for them."

In addition to donations and food drives, the pantry receives funding through the Food Pantries for the Capital District and the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York. It provides food for five days of healthy meals, including fresh produce, eggs, formula and personal hygiene items. Hannaford in Wynantskill donates bread and sweets.

The pantry is seeking a space with refrigerators, freezers and storage plus room for people to check in and to set out food. Open from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturdays (with volunteers arriving at 9 a.m. and leaving after cleanup at 1 p.m.), food deliveries are made on the first Tuesday of the month and on Friday morning.

Change, slow and subtle, is happening in and around Mount Ida, as the success of downtown's revitalization keeps moving uphill. But the need for a neighborhood food pantry remains.

"We're really a big family, where we hang out on Saturdays and help others," Dunham said. "People come for emotional support, advice, guidance or just a kind, listening ear."

"If the Mount Ida Community Food Pantry cannot find a new location ... 565 people will have additional difficulties accessing food," added Natasha Pernicka, executive director of the Food Pantries for the Capital District. "We are sending out this call for action to help them find a new home."

jpatterson@timesunion.com • @JenSPatterson • 518-454-5340