Roanoke Rising Winter 2022
Roanoke Rising Winter 2022 - Cover
Roanoke Rising
Winter 2022
Roanoke Rising Winter 2022 - From the CEO
Sharon N. Tolbert, Chief Executive Officer
Welcome to the Winter 2022 edition of the Roanoke Rising! I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
2021 was an eventful year as we navigated through the "new normal" associated with COVID19, but I'm grateful we found some level of relief compared to 2020. 2021 showed me how fortunate I am to work with a team that refuses to give anything less than 110%. Despite our challenges faced as a result of the pandemic, I commend our staff for their hard work, tenacity, and commitment in carrying out their job functions. And most importantly, working as a team!
The Roanoke Housing Authority's (RHA) team rallied beside each other as we worked through barriers associated with COVID19 coupled with organizational restructuring, which involved hiring and training new staff and most times, being short-staffed.
Kudos to everyone who selflessly put their titles aside, rolled up their sleeves, and did what needed to be done to get the job done. This level of commitment did not go unnoticed. As a result, many employees were promoted and we added new professionals to our team.
I also want to thank our community partners for their continued support. Your generosity allows RHA to offer and provide valuable services to our families.
I'm grateful to RHA's Board of Commissioners for your confidence in allowing me to continue to serve as CEO of RHA.
As always, I desire that you find the Winter 2022 Roanoke Rising edition to be a useful tool to communicate upcoming, news, events, and more. For more information, please visit our website at www.auburnhousingauth.org and sign up for News and More to receive email and text notifications. Also, be sure to connect with us on social media!
Let's charge forward in 2022 with the expectation of better days to come. Wishing everyone a safe, healthy, and prosperous 2022!
Bountiful Blessings,
Sharon N. Tolbert, CEO
Roanoke Rising Winter 2022 - Commissioner's Corner
RHA is governed by a five-member Board of Commissioners, representing a cross section of the community and appointed by the Mayor of the City of Roanoke. One member must be a resident of an RHA property or program.
The Commissioners are responsible for overseeing the fiscal management of the agency and approve policies.
The board meetings are held at 5:30 pm on the 2nd Thursday in March, June, September, and December. The meeting date is subject to change.
Paula Lambert, Chairperson Sarah Nunn, Vice-Chairperson & Resident Commissioner Robert Alton Joiner, Commissioner Patrice Awbrey, Commissioner
The Roanoke Housing Authority Family is mourning the loss of Commissioner Michael Watkins, who passed away on Wednesday, January 26th. Commissioner Watkins has been a dedicated member of the Roanoke Housing Authority Board since 2012, and his presence on the board will be sorely missed.
RHA Board Meetings
Date: March 10, and June 9
Time: 5:30 pm (CST)
Join Zoom Meeting:
Link available via AHA website calendar.
Meeting ID: 957 4155 3268
Passcode: 061021
Phone: 312.626.6799The date, time, and location are subject to change.
Thank You!
RHA wants to express its appreciation to the Commissioners that attended the tailgate event on Wednesday, November 10th.
We appreciate your support!
Board of Commissioner's 2021 Highlights
In 2021, the Board of Commissioners ratified new policies and revised existing policies to meet the needs of the Roanoke Housing Authority and to comply with program regulations. Specifically, the Board authorized utilizing HUD COVID waivers which provided administrative flexibilities and relief to public housing agencies in response to the COVID19 national emergency.
Roanoke Rising Winter 2022 - Human Resources & News
Staff Directory
Sandra Sanders Executive Admin Assistant 237 ssanders@auburnhousingauth.org Multi-Family Housing (MFH) Laura Squiers MFH Director 243 lsquiers@auburnhousingauth.org Beth Redding Property Manager 334-863-4513 bredding@auburnhousingauth.org Greg Moore Regional Maintenance Manager 262 gmoore@auburnhousingauth.org Finance Wendy Cochran Chief Operating Officer 247 wcochran@auburnhousingauth.org Richetta Stephens Procurement Officer 228 rstephens@auburnhousingauth.org Sylvia Impson Purchasing Clerk 255 simpson@auburnhousingauth.org Public Relations (PR) & Compliance AJ Harris Director of PR & Compliance 210 ajharris@auburnhousingauth.org Charlotte Mattox Resident Services Coordinator 230 cmattox@auburnhousingauth.org Note: To contact staff at the Auburn Admin Office, dial 334-821-2262 and enter extension once prompted.
Careers
Current Openings
Maintenance Mechanic Assistant (LaFayette HA Site)
Employee Benefits:
BCBS medical benefits
BCBS dental benefits
Group life insurance
State retirement
Supplemental insuranceAnnual leave
Sick leave
Paid holidays
Four-day work week (Monday - Thursday)Visit www.auburnhousingauth.org/careers for job descriptions.
Roanoke Rising Winter 2022 - Human Resources & News Continued
New Team Members
Stephine Carter
HCV Caseworker l (12.20.21, AHA site)
Marquindez Whitlow
Maintenance Mechanic
(12.16.21, AHA site)Tina Rodriquez
Cashier/Receptionist
(2.14.22, AHA site)Employee Promotions and Interim Changes
Wendy Cochran
Chief Operating Officer
(effective 12.16.21)Shannon Walters
HCV Manager
(effective 12.16.21)Charlotte Bowen
Interim HCV Caseworker ll
(effective 12.06.21)Natasha Hall
HCV Caseworker lll
(effective 1.01.22)Laura Squiers
Multifamily Housing Director
(effective 1.10.22)
Roanoke Rising Winter 2022 - 2021 Employee Meeting
The Auburn Housing Authority had its Annual Employee Meeting at the Boykin Community Center on October 14, 2021.
The staff enjoyed lunch, and the CEO discussed COVID19 updates, employee recognitions, FYE2021 updates, FYE2022 goals and objectives, and more.
Roanoke Rising Winter 2022 - Employee Recognitions
Employee Spotlight: Demetrius Parhams
Demetrius was hired in September 2019 as a Maintenance Laborer. Demetrius' job entails assisting with maintenance issues, groundskeeping, maintaining the administrative building, and much more. You can often catch Demetrius walking around our properties or riding in the Dump Truck. Demetrius is a great asset to our team, and Auburn Housing is proud to have him.Congratulations to the following employees for their professional development accomplishments during 2021!
AJ Harris
Public Relations and Compliance Director
Master of Public Administration
Auburn University (08.07.21)
RAD Project-Based Voucher Specialist Certification (11.11.21)Charlotte Bowen
Interim HCV Caseworker ll
RAD PBV Specialist Certification (12.13.21)Rachel Harris, FSS Coordinator
FSS Certification (10.04.21)Natasha Hall, HCV Caseworker ll
HCV Specialist Certification (06.24.21)Not Pictured Sharon Tolbert, CEO
Graduated from PHADA/Rutgers University's Executive Director Education Program (05.27.21)
Roanoke Rising Winter 2022 - Covid19 Guidelines
RHA IS COMMITTED TO YOUR SAFETY AND OURS
Roanoke Housing Authority (RHA) encourages all residents to report positive COVID19 cases or exposure to COVID19 regarding members of their household. Reporting allows RHA staff to coordinate with local health officials, communicate possible COVID19 exposure, and provide any needed resources and assistance. RHA will maintain confidentiality as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Privacy Act and not disclose any names, apartment numbers, and other personally identifiable information. To report or ask questions concerning reporting positive COVID19 cases or exposure to COVID19, contact AJ Harris, Director of Public Relations & Compliance, via phone at 334-821-2262 ext. 210 or via e-mail at ajharris@auburnhousingauth.org.
Please note before entering our offices:
- Masks are required to be worn at all times
- Temperature Checks are required for entry
- Lobby seating capacity is limited to three seats
The front door will remain unlocked until the lobby seating capacity is reached. If the door is locked, call the office at 334-863-4513 to sign in and wait in your vehicle.
If you are experiencing any of the following, please refrain from entering:
- Have been diagnosed with/tested positive for COVID-19, or currently awaiting test results relating to a suspected coronavirus (COVID-19) diagnosis,
- Have signs/symptoms of a Covid-19 infection such as fever (>100.4 F), loss of taste and/or smell, fatigue, cough, shortness of breath, body aches, or sore throat
- Came into close contact (within 6 feet for greater than 15 minutes) with someone who has a confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis in the past 14 days?
You can make an in-person or virtual meeting appointment by contacting the Multi-Family Housing Department at 334-863-4513. Payments can be made in-person, via the drop box located at the Avenue A Office, or online by visiting www.auburnhousingauth.org.
Roanoke Rising Winter 2022 - Covid19 Testing & Information
Every home in the U.S. is eligible to order four free at-home COVID19 tests. The tests are completely free. Orders will usually ship in 7-12 days.
Order your tests by visiting www.covidtests.gov now, so you have them when you need them.
Also, the Biden administration is making 400 million N95 masks available for free in an effort to help prevent the massive surge in COVID cases due to the omicron variant.
The free masks will be available through pharmacies and community health centers across the country. Shipping on the masks will begin this week with the program fully operational by early February. A list of locations that will have the masks has not yet been announced. When this information is released we will update our website and social media accounts.
Together, COVID19 vaccination and following public health recommendations to protect yourself and others will offer the best protection from COVID19.
Roanoke Rising Winter 2022 - Christmas Luncheon
Before the holidays, our employees and Commissioners came together to enjoy good food, express appreciation, and engage in many laughs! We also had an opportunity to reflect on the past year and are incredibly grateful to be able to gather again.
Roanoke Rising Winter 2022 - Holiday Farmers Market
To assist families during the Christmas holidays, RHA partnered with the Food Bank to sponsor an onsite Farmer's Market on December 20th that provided fresh produce to 42 families.
Roanoke Rising Winter 2022 - Tailgate Event
RHA successfully hosted its first Annual Tailgate Event on Thursday, November 10th. This event provided an excellent opportunity for neighbors to come together under positive circumstances and enjoy some good food, music, and games! Great time had by all!
View the full album on our website!
Roanoke Rising Winter 2022 - Emergency Housing Vouchers
Auburn Housing Authority has received 44 Emergency Housing Vouchers from the Department of Housing and Urban Development through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) of 2021 (Public Law No: 117-2) as a relief to address the continued impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the economic, public health, State and local government individuals, and local businesses.
Emergency Housing Vouchers are to assist the following individuals and families:
- Homeless
- At risk of homelessness
- Fleeting, or attempting to flee, domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, or human trafficking, or
were recently homeless or have a high risk of housing instabilityIf you feel that you may qualify for this program or would like to find out additional information, please see the details below.
EHVs help individuals and families find housing and remain stably housed long-term. Our agency has partnered with Alabama Rural Coalition for the Homeless (ARCH) to determine which individuals and families will be eligible to receive an EHV.
How to Apply
To be eligible for an EHV, an individual or family must meet one of the eligibility categories:
- Lacks a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence.
- Has an income below 30 percent of median family income for the area as determined by HUD.
- Reasonably believes that there is a threat of imminent harm in their current residence.
To apply, contact Sabrina Betts at ARCH by calling 334-273-0668, and when prompted, select option 2.
Roanoke Rising Winter 2022 - Rent Payment
1) As of July 1, 2021, cash payments are no longer accepted. If you place your payment in drop box, please pay by check or money order. You may also pay by debit/credit card in person or online at apps.auburnhousingauth.org.2) Late fees have been reinstated beginning with September 2021 rent. Please remember rent is due on the 1st and late after the 6th. If the 6th falls on a holiday or weekend, you will have until the end of the following business day to pay without penalty.
3) If you have a prior balance, please contact the property manager to set up a repayment agreement. For those that submitted an Authorization Form for consideration in the Emergency Rental Assistance Alabama (ERAA) program, please be sure to check your email for directions from ERAA on completing your application.
Roanoke Rising Winter 2022 - Resident Corner
Rental Insurance
Residents are encouraged to obtain rental insurance. Rental insurance helps to protect your belongings after a covered loss.
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Smoking Policy
Smoking is NOT permitted inside the unit. See the Smoke-Free Policy that's included as an addendum to your lease for more information.
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Pet Policy
AHA Development LLC's Pet Policy is included within the Lease Addendum signed by all Residents. By signing, residents agreed to report all pets and pay deposits. Per the lease, AHA residents agree to:
Not to keep or allow dogs, cats, or any other animals or pets on the premises without the prior written consent of the Landlord and in accordance with the Landlord's Pet Policy. Residents are only allowed to keep common household pets in their units subject to the execution of the pet policy of the Landlord and proper execution of the Lease addendum for pets. Resident agrees to comply with pet policy, and violation of the pet rules, as outlined in the lease addendum, will be grounds for removal of the pet, fines, termination of pet owner's tenancy, or both. Violation of this Paragraph shall be considered a serious violation of this lease;
If you have a pet and have not notified the property manager, do so immediately. Failure to comply can lead to financial penalties and/or eviction. To request a copy or questions concerning the AHA's Pet Policy, contact Dominique Moore via phone at 334-821-2262 ext. 242 or via e-mail at dmoore@auburnhousingauth.org.
Maintenance
For the safety of our residents and maintenance staff, effective immediately, residents will not be allowed in the vicinity of our maintenance staff while they are performing maintenance repairs inside of AHA units. Residents will be required to go into another room until all maintenance issues have been addressed. If you have any questions and/or concerns, please contact Director of Public Relations and Compliance AJ Harris via phone at 334-821-2262 ext. 210 or via e-mail at ajharris@auburnhousingauth.org.
An emergency work order will be completed and mitigated within twenty-four (24) hours. If a situation is determined to not be an emergency, the resident will be informed that the request will be considered as "any other resident work order request". Normal work orders will be resolved within 3 business days. Emergency Work Orders are when the situation constitutes a serious threat to the life, safety, or health of resident(s) or staff; or the situation will cause serious damage to the property, property structure, or systems if not repaired within twenty-four (24) hours.
Examples of a work order emergency are:
-Broken exterior door lock
-Fire
-Loss of power - mechanical failure
-Broken water line
-Loose or falling ceiling
-No Heat (when the outside temperature is less than 35 degrees)Please call to request a work order:
Greg Moore
Regional Maintenance Manager
Phone: (334) 821-2262 ext. 262For Police and Fire Emergencies dial 911
Roanoke Rising Winter 2022 - Foster Youth Back Cover
Our Agency has partnered with the Alabama Department of Human Resources to provide the Foster Youth Independence Housing Voucher.
HUD's FYI Initiative targets housing assistance to young people aging out of foster care and who are at extreme risk of experiencing homelessness. The initiative offers housing vouchers to local public housing authorities to prevent or end homelessness among young adults under the age of 25 who are, or have recently left, the foster care system without a home to go to.
- At least 18 years and not more than 24 years of age
- Left foster care, or will leave foster care within 90 days, in accordance with a transition plan described in Section 475(5)(H) of the Social Security Act.
- Homeless or is at risk of becoming homeless at age 16 or older.
A young person who meets the above requirements and is pregnant and parenting is also eligible as long as the children they are parenting do not have an open child welfare case.
Eligible youth may be referred to the program through public child welfare agencies and Continuums of Care.
For more information, contact Interim HCV Manager Shannon Walters at sbarrios@auburnhousingauth.org or 334-821-2262 ext. 221.