Auburn Forward Summer 2022
Auburn Forward Summer 2022
Auburn Forward
Summer 2022
Auburn Forward Summer 2022 - From the CEO
Sharon N. Tolbert, Chief Executive Officer
Welcome to the Summer 2022 edition of the Auburn Forward! It is hard to believe that we are halfway through 2022. Some are preparing for vacations and children are enjoying their summer break.
Thus far, 2022 has been eventful and productive for our team. For starters, the Church of the Highlands blessed the Auburn Housing Authority's (AHA) non-profit affiliate, Auburn Community Development Corporation, with a 12-seat passenger van. The AHA is truly appreciative of the Church of the Highlands' generous gift!
The Auburn (AHA), LaFayette (LHA), and Roanoke (RHA) Housing Authority's FYE2021 annual audit was completed in January 2022. I am pleased to report AHA, LHA, and RHA resulted in an exemplary audit with no findings or concerns! This is no small fete. It takes hard work and dedication to achieve a clean HUD audit coupled with working during a global pandemic and organizational restructuring. Thank you to our entire team for all the hard work you put in daily! Know that it is recognized and greatly appreciated.
In 2022, our team has worked diligently on various initiatives in hopes of improving services to our residents, participants, and the public. Some initiatives include installing compliance cameras at all AHA housing communities, automating annual recertifications, opening the online tenant-based voucher waitlist for 600 applicants, hosting a community-wide Landlord Symposium, increasing housing occupancy rates, complying with annual HQS inspection requirements, and the list goes on. Despite the challenges of recovering from a pandemic, our team continues to find a way to get it done!
I want to express my appreciation to all private landlords that take part in AHA's Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) tenant-based (Section 8) program. All of you allow families to truly experience "housing choice" and I thank you all for your partnership.
The AHA is fortunate to receive ample funding from HUD in hopes of expanding housing opportunities for families in need. To increase landlord participation in the HCV Program, the AHA will host a Landlord Symposium at the Auburn Chamber of Commerce on Thursday, July 14, 2022. Additional information about the symposium is found on the following pages.
As always, I want to thank AHA, LHA, and RHA's Board of Commissioners for your loyal service and commitment to serve. Kudos to our generous community partners that assist in carrying out various resident service programs.
As always, I desire that you find the Summer 2022 Auburn Forward 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!
As Lester Holt says, "please take care of yourself and each other".
Bountiful Blessings,
Sharon N. Tolbert, CEO
Auburn Forward Summer 2022 - Commissioner's Corner
AHA 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 Auburn. One member must be a resident of an AHA property or program.
The Commissioners are responsible for overseeing the fiscal management of the agency and approving policies. Board members also appoint a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to administer the daily affairs of the housing authority.
Board meetings are held at noon on the last Tuesday of each month. The meeting date is subject to change.
Board Members
Robert Smith,
ChairpersonNolan Torbert, Sr.,
Vice ChairpersonRene Waldrop,
CommissionerMarguerite White,
CommissionerNot Pictured Deborah Hand,
Resident Commissioner
AHA Board Meetings
Date: June 28, July 26, Aug 30
Time: 12:00 pm (CST)
Location:
Auburn Housing Authority
931 Booker Street, Auburn, AL
The date, time, and location are subject to change.
Partner Spotlight
Pastor Wren, Church of the Highlands - Pastor Wren has been a true exemplification of the Church of the Highland's mission to serve God and the community they are planted in. Pastor Wren has been a longtime supporter of the Auburn Housing Authority, stepping in to help whenever called on. Pastor Wren has helped coordinate volunteers, services, and donations. Having partners like Pastor Wren, who advocate and care for AHA and our residents, increases our capacity to fulfill our mission. Join us as we thank and commend Pastor Wren for all his contributions to AHA, our residents, and our community.
Auburn Forward Summer 2022 - ACDC
Under Sharon Tolbert's leadership, the AHA Board of Commissioners approved the Auburn Community Development Corporation (ACDC) as a non-profit affiliate of the AHA on May 7, 2019.
ACDC's mission is "Empowering individuals and families by expanding affordable housing and economic opportunities in an effort to build vibrant neighborhoods and communities."
The ACDC has partnered with the City of Auburn to administer a Food Pantry at the Boykin Community Center. ACDC is also exploring affordable housing opportunities in an effort to expand housing for families in the Auburn community.
ACDC Board Members
Sharon Tolbert, President Marguerite White, Vice President Rene Waldrop, Secretary/Treasurer Robert Smith, Director Nolan Torbert, Director Not Pictured Deborah Hand, Director
ACDC Board Meetings
Date: June 28, July 26, Aug 30
Time: 1:00 pm (CST)
Location:
Auburn Housing Authority
931 Booker Street, Auburn, AL
The date, time, and location are subject to change.
Auburn Forward Summer 2022 - ACDC VAN
Partnerships play a significant role in helping Auburn Housing Authority fulfill our mission and better serve our residents. Partners often assist by filling service gaps and supporting our organization via donations and volunteers. AHA staff has long identified the need for a 15-passenger van and included it in our 5-Year Strategic Plan, but funding has prevented the organization from purchasing. After hearing Auburn Housing Authority staff express a need for a van, the Church of the Highlands - Auburn West Campus leadership begin planning to fill the need. On February 15th, the Church of the Highlands - Auburn West Campus and Auburn Housing Authority held a ceremony officially exchanging a 2016 Ford Transit Van. The new van will allow Auburn Housing Authority to expand its resident program offering and help eliminate residents' transportation barriers. Auburn Housing Authority is eternally grateful for the Church of the Highlands - Auburn West Campus and looks forward to the continued partnership.
Auburn Forward Summer 2022 - Human Resources & News
New Employees
Chris Taylor - Maintenance Mechanic Assistant (LHA) Justin Rowell - Maintenance Mechanic Assistant (AHA) Employee Spotlight: Tina Rodriguez
Tina Rodriguez started with AHA on February 14, 2022, as the Cashier/Receptionist and has hit the ground running. Tina's job entails collecting rent payments, answering phones, and submitting work orders. She is often the first person visitors see at our Admin office and will always greet you with a smile and a friendly hello. The next time you are in the office, take some time to have a conversation with her. Tina has been a great addition to the AHA Team, and we are glad to have her on our team.
Staff Directory
Sandra Sanders Executive Admin Assistant 237 ssanders@auburnhousingauth.org Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Wendy Cochran Chief Operating Officer 247 wcochran@auburnhousingauth.org Shannon Walters HCV Manager 221 sbarrios@auburnhousingauth.org Natasha Hall HCV Caseworker III 267 nhall@auburnhousingauth.org Charlotte Bowen HCV Caseworker II 224 cbowen@auburnhousingauth.org Stephine Carter HCV Caseworker I 217 scarter@auburnhousingauth.org Rachel Harris Family Self Sufficiency Coordinator 259 rharris@auburnhousingauth.org Multi-Family Housing (MFH) Laura Squiers MFH Director 243 lsquiers@auburnhousingauth.org Dominique Moore Property Manager 242 dmoore@auburnhousingauth.org Greg Moore Regional Maintenance Manager 262 gmoore@auburnhousingauth.org Tina Rodriguez Cashier/Receptionist 212 trodriguez@aubrunhousingauth.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
Auburn Forward Summer 2022 - Human Resources & News Continued
Observed Holidays
Independence Day - July 4th
Labor Day - 1st Monday in SeptemberObserved holidays that fall on Friday or Saturday will be observed on the preceding Thursday because the Housing Authority's office is closed on Friday. Observed holidays that fall on Sunday will be observed on the following Monday.
Careers
Current Openings
Maintenance Mechanic Assistant (Auburn 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.
Procurement
E-Procurement Process
To improve our communication with our vendors, reduce administrative costs, and streamline our procurement process, AHA conducts most of its competitive solicitations on the e-Procurement Marketplace site. Please be advised that AHA absorbs all costs for using this Marketplace. Therefore, your firm incurs no additional charges to use this Marketplace site to respond to a published procurement solicitation. If you are a vendor and are interested in partnering with AHA, please complete the sign-up process outlined below. Once you are a registered vendor on the Marketplace site, you will receive notifications of any new bid opportunities as they occur.To take part in the e-procurement process, please follow these instructions:
1. Visit ha.economicengine.com (no "www").
2. Registered Users - Click on the "login" button on the upper left side
3. Non registered Users - Click on the "Sign up as a Vendor" button in the lower-left side of the screen and follow the listed directions to register.
4. Select - Auburn Housing Authority as your Agency
If you have any problems accessing or registering on the Marketplace, please contact their customer support at (866) 526-9266.Benefits of utilizing e-Procurement include:
• Automatic notification of bid opportunities
• The ability to download procurement documents
• Automatic notification of addenda
• Access to procurement
Auburn Forward Summer 2022 - Juneteenth Celebration
The Auburn Housing Authority participated in the Annual Juneteenth Celebration on June 18, 2022. The event was held at Martin Luther King Park in Auburn, AL. The event included great food and fellowship, historical presentations, and entertainment. The event also included recognizing Unsung Heroes, which included one of AHA's own, AJ Harris, Public Relations and Compliance Director.
Auburn Forward Summer 2022 - Spring Break Food Boxes
On Thursday, March 3rd AHA was honored to work with the Food Bank of East Alabama and the City of Auburn's Community Service Department to distribute Spring Break Food Boxes to families with children 18 and younger. The event served as the community's introduction to the Food Bank of East Alabama's new refrigerated van. AHA is thankful for our partnership with the Food Bank of East Alabama and the City of Auburn.
Auburn Forward Summer 2022 - Older American's Month Celebration
In May, AHA participated in the Annual Older American's Month Celebration hosted by Lee-Russell Council on Aging at Kiesel Park. Established in 1963, Older American Month is about showing appreciation for Older Americans' contributions to society, acknowledging their value to the community, and empowering Older Americans to take charge of their finances, health, and wellness. The theme for 2022 was "Aging My Way."
Auburn Forward Summer 2022 - Wonderful Wednesdays
Wonderful Wednesdays are an opportunity for residents 60 years or older to get together for fellowship, food, and fun.
Hosted by Resident Services Coordinator Charlotte Mattox, Wonderful Wednesdays has become a staple program of the Auburn Housing Authority.
Auburn Forward Summer 2022 - Popsicles and Supplies
In May, Resident Services Coordinator Charlotte Mattox and volunteers distributed popsicles and supplies for children to congratulate them on a great school year. AHA supports our young residents as they strive for academic success.
Auburn Forward Summer 2022 - Covid Guidelines
AHA IS COMMITTED TO YOUR SAFETY AND OURS
Auburn Housing Authority (AHA) encourages all residents and participants to report positive COVID19 cases or exposure to COVID19 regarding members of their household. Reporting allows AHA staff to coordinate with local health officials, communicate possible COVID19 exposure, and provide any needed resources and assistance. AHA 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 334-821-2262 ext. 212 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 334-821-2262 ext. 242. Payments can be made in-person, via the drop box located at the Ridgecrest Office, or online by visiting www.auburnhousingauth.org.
Auburn Forward Summer 2022 - Landlord Corner
New Inspection Provider
Ozark Housing Development, Inc. (OHDI) was selected as the new inspection services provider for AHA. OHDI's mission of assuring decent, safe, and sanitary housing aligns perfectly with AHA.
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Address Change
If you move, remember to report your new address to our office in writing. Also report changes in anticipated changes of ownership as soon as possible. You must advise us before you sell the property rented to a voucher holder. There is paperwork that must be done to adjust ownership and rental assistance.
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Lease Renewal
Landlords: If you are entering into a new lease at the annual renewal, you must provide a copy of the new proposed lease prior to the tenant signing the lease. If you have questions about the program, don't guess, please call the Housing Choice Voucher Office Program (HCVP) at (334) 821-2262 ext. 217. Thank you for partnering with Auburn Housing Authority (AHA) to provide decent, safe, and sanitary housing for low income families.
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Safe Communities
Do you know what to do if you suspect fraud or criminal activity occurring at an HCVP assisted home? You can do your part to help keep your community safe by using the link below to report fraudulent or criminal activity.
www.auburnhousingauth.org/contact---
Domestic Violence
Did you know the HCVP has housing preferences for homeless families and victims of domestic violence? If you are being assisted by or receiving assistance from a homeless shelter and/or are a victim of domestic violence, you may qualify for additional points to be housed. The agency that is assisting you would only need to provide a letter verifying your need on their letterhead with a signature stating that you are being assisted by their agency. The letter needs to be faxed, mailed, or hand delivered by that agency to the HCVP office.
Report Changes
Participants of the HCV Program are required to submit all changes in writing within 10 calendar days. These changes may include loss of employment, new employment, updated phone numbers and emails and change in student status. Landlords who are aware of an unauthorized individual residing in the home should contact the HCVP Department immediately. Updating household information is vital to keeping your HCVP participation in good standing. The voucher size is based on household composition. Families receive deductions for dependents. It is very important to keep this updated.
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Emergency Rental Assistance Program
LANDLORDS: Are some of your tenants behind on their rent?
Emergency Rental Assistance Alabama is here to help. COVID-19 has affected residents across the state. We have emergency funds available to help Alabama renters pay rent and utility bills (including past-due rent and utilities). Emergency Rental Assistance Alabama has emergency funds available to help Alabama renters pay rent and utility bills (including past due rent and utilities). Visit eraalabama.com to learn more or to apply.---
Auburn Housing Authority would like to say Thank You to all our landlords. Landlords provide housing opportunities to our Tenant Based Voucher (TBV) program participants. Without our landlords' commitment and partnership, AHA would not be able to provide many of the services we offer.
Auburn Forward Summer 2022 - HCV Programs
Tenant-Based Vouchers (TBV)
Auburn Housing Authority's (AHA) Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Tenant Based Voucher (TBV) Program allows low-income families to rent quality housing in the private market via federal funds provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Through the HCV Program, AHA pays a portion of eligible families' rent each month directly to the property owner. Families can use their vouchers to rent a house or apartment in the private market throughout Lee County, with the exception of the city limits of Opelika, AL.
Because there are more families who need rental assistance than there are funds available, AHA uses a waiting list to administer the program to eligible families.
Applicant families must meet the following eligibility requirements to qualify for the HCV Program:
• Meet HUD's definition of family
• Meet income limits specified by HUD
• Qualify on the basis of citizenship or eligible immigrant status
• Provide Social Security number
• Sign required consent forms
• Pass screening processCurrently AHA's tenant-based voucher waiting list is closed. AHA will provide notice through a variety of media outlets when it reopens. To learn more contact Natasha Hall at 334-821-2262 ext. 267 or by e-mail at nhall@auburnhousingauth.org.
Project-Based Vouchers (PBV)
PBV is similar to Tenant Based Vouchers. However, the differences between the two are that PBV assistance is tied to the unit, and once HCV determines eligibility, the applicant is referred to the PBV landlord to determine if the applicant is suitable for tenancy. The waitlist is currently open for bedroom sizes 3-5.
Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH)
The VASH program combines HUD's Housing Choice Voucher rental assistance for homeless Veterans with case management and clinical services provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). VA provides these services for participating Veterans at VA medical centers (VAMCs), community-based outreach clinics (CBOCs), through VA contractors, or through other VA designated entities. If you are a Veteran and wish to utilize the VASH voucher, please contact the Central Alabama Health Care System (CAVHCS) at 334-727-0550 or 800-214-8387.
Mainstream Vouchers
Mainstream vouchers assist non-elderly persons with disabilities. Aside from serving a special population, Mainstream vouchers are administered using the same rules as other Housing Choice Vouchers. Funding and financial reporting for Mainstream vouchers are separate from the regular tenant-based voucher program. AHA's Mainstream waiting list is closed. AHA will provide notice through a variety of media outlets when it reopens.
Foster Youth to Independence Initiative (FYI)
HUD's FYI 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. Eligible applicants must be referred to AHA by the Alabama Department of Human Resources. If you are a foster youth that is about to age out of foster care and wish to utilize the FYI voucher, please contact the Alabama Department of Human Resources at (334) 242-1310.
Auburn Forward Summer 2022 - Family Self-Sufficiency
Congratulations, BreAsia Robinson!
The Family Self-Sufficiency Program (FSS) works! We couldn't be more proud of the following FSS graduate who truly made the program work for them.
BreAsia Robinson - BreAsia joined the FSS program in 2017. In February 2022, she successfully reached her goals, moved out of Auburn Housing, and graduated the FSS program. When asked how the program has impacted her life, she replied "It made me look at things differently. It made me work harder for my kids. I never thought I would see this day (FSS graduation) but it finally came!"
Through the FSS Program, BreAsia was able to reach her goals and with the funds accumulated in her escrow account, she will be able to pay off debt, take a family vacation, and still have money left for a down payment on a home.
Congratulations BreAsia! We are so proud of you!
If you are interested in joining the Family Self-Sufficiency Program and pursuing more for you and your family, please contact the FSS Coordinator today! For more information, contact FSS Coordinator, Rachel Harris at rharris@auburnhousingauth.org or call 334-821-2262 EXT 259.
Auburn Forward Summer 2022 - HCV Programs Continued
Homeownership Program
The Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Homeownership Program allows families that are assisted under the Tenant-Based Voucher (TBV) program to use their voucher to buy a home and receive monthly assistance in meeting homeownership expenses.
The HCV Homeownership Program is available only to families that have been admitted to the TBV program. To participate in the HCV Homeownership Program, the HCV family must meet specific income and employment requirements (the employment requirement does not apply to elderly and disabled families), be a first-time homeowner as defined in the regulation, attend and satisfactorily complete the pre-assistance homeownership and housing counseling program required by AHA, and meet any additional eligibility requirements set by the AHA. If you are a current TBV participant and wish to utilize the homeownership program, please contact your caseworker.
Natasha Hall, HCV Caseworker III
Ph.: (334) 821-2262 ext. 267
Email: nhall@auburnhousingauth.orgRachel Harris, FSS Coordinator
Ph.: (334) 821-2262 ext. 259
Email: rharris@auburnhousingauth.org---
Family Self-Sufficiency Program (FSS)
The FSS program is a HUD workforce program offered to participant families. The goal of FSS is to assist participants to increase their income in order to decrease their reliance on housing subsidies. Because we recognize that true self-sufficiency means more than simply an increase in earned income, AHA's program focuses on all barriers.
The FSS Program provides participants with individualized case management, referrals to resources and services, educational workshops, and guidance in goal setting and achievement over a five-year period. The program is completely voluntary.
If you are interested in the FSS program, please contact the FSS Coordinator, Rachel Harris, at 334-821-2262 ext. 259 or by email at rharris@auburnhousingauth.org.
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Emergency Rental Assistance Program
During the coronavirus pandemic, millions of renters have struggled to make their monthly payments. If you're having trouble paying your rent, utilities, or other housing-related costs, rental assistance may be available to you. The Emergency Rental Assistance Alabama program was created to help renters cover their housing-related costs and stay in stable housing during the pandemic.
To qualify, you must have experienced financial hardship during the COVID19 pandemic, meet local income requirements, and be behind on your rent. Visit eraalabama.com to learn more or to apply.
To Learn More About Our HCV Programs Visit:
https://www.auburnhousingauth.org/hcv-section8
Auburn Forward Summer 2022 - Emergency Housing Vouchers
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 instability
If 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.
Auburn Forward Summer 2022 - Resident Corner
Resident Notice
The Auburn Housing Authority's (AHA) mission is to provide safe, decent and affordable housing for families. The AHA's Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program is funded by the federal government and AHA must comply with the Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) regulations and AHA's internal policies and procedures. AHA encourages families to comply with the following requirements to maintain their housing assistance.
a. Comply with your annual recertification requirements and submit the requested information by the deadline.
b. Report all changes in income and household composition.
c. Comply with your landlord's dwelling lease.
d. Comply with all written requests that are submitted by the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Department and forward the requested information by the deadline.
Not complying with the requirements above may result in the termination of your assistance or eviction. The list above is not all inclusive.
If you have questions about your HCV assistance, please contact the HCV Department at (334) 821-2262 option 5.
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Project-Based Voucher Case Management
Project-Based Voucher case management services are now being administered in-house. If you have questions or require information, please contact Charlotte Bowen, HCV Caseworker ll (PBV) at (334) 821-2262 ext. 224 or cbowen@auburnhousingauth.org.
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HCV Updates
Staff members are working to process interim for loss of wages and income decreases in the order received. Delays may occur. Please continue to report these changes by emailing your respective Caseworker.
-Participants are not required to report stimulus funding to AHA.
-However, you must request an extension before your voucher expires. Please contact nhall@auburnhousingauth.org with questions concerning your Tenant-Based Voucher (TBV).
-All transfer requests and vacate notices from current participants are being reviewed. HCV staff will contact participants and landlords to determine the next steps on a case-by-case basis.
-Issuance of new vouchers will resume. Briefings will be conducted via phone. An appointment letter will be sent to applicants with instructions.
-Landlords payments will continue to be processed without interruption.
-Current participants are still required to report all household income and composition changes. Please send emails to the respective caseworker.-Available units known to AHA are listed under the Locations tab at www.auburnhousingauth.org.
If you have any questions, please contact the HCV Department at (334) 821-2262 option 5, or contact the caseworker assigned to your specific area of concern or voucher program.
Stephine Carter - Application & General Inquiries
Ext. 217 or by email at scarter@auburnhousingauth.org
Charlotte Bowen - Project-Based Vouchers (PBV)
Ext. 224 or by email at cbowen@auburnhousingauth.orgNatasha Hall - Tenant-Based Vouchers (TBV), Emergency Housing Vouchers (EHV),
Foster Youth Initiative (FYI), Veteran Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH), and Mainstream Vouchers
Ext. 267 or by email at nhall@auburnhusingauth.orgShannon Walters - HCV Manager
Ext. 221 or by email at sbarrios@auburnhousingauth.orgWe are here to serve you!
Auburn Forward Summer 2022 - Resident Corner Continued
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
Compliance Cameras
Compliance Cameras have been installed on the exterior of various units. The Compliance Cameras will allow AHA staff to better monitor properties and improve the level of service we provide to our residents. AHA staff will continue to evaluate and expand the Compliance Camera project. Contact the Director of Public Relations and Compliance, AJ Harris, via phone at 334-821-2262 ext. 210 or via e-mail at ajharris@auburnhousingauth.org for questions concerning the Compliance Cameras.
Rental Insurance
Residents are encouraged to obtain rental insurance. Rental insurance helps to protect your belongings after a covered loss.
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.
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.
Auburn Forward Summer 2022 - More Resident Corner
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
FREE Transportation Services Available for AHA Residents:
Need transportation to:
Job/Employment Training
Employment/Work
Drug Testing or Assessment Testing
Educational Courses for Job TrainingTo qualify for the Job Access & Reverse Commute Program:
You must be a current "low-income" resident of Auburn Housing Authority PBV or HCV and you must meet the requirements on the "Eligibility and Affirmation for TANF" form.You may be able to qualify by a combination of the following three (3) criteria: your Size of Family Unit, Gross Monthly Income, and Gross Annual Income.
Residents who would like to receive FREE transportation assistance need to schedule an appointment with Charlotte Mattox to determine eligibility for this program by calling (334) 821-2262 ext. 230.
Internet Service
Public housing residents and Section 8 program participants are eligible for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). The program provides a discount of up to $30 per month towards internet service for eligible households. Households can also receive up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers if they contribute between $10 and $50 toward the purchase price.
To enroll in the program, a household has to do the following:
1. Complete an online or mail‐in application at ACPBenefit.org; and
2. Contact a participating provider to select an internet plan and have the ACP discount applied.
Auburn Forward Summer 2022 - Food Pantry
Boykin Community Center Food Pantry is Open!
Providing free dry goods and other household items.
Open for Walk-ins at 400 Boykin St.
Tuesdays from 8-10 AM
Thursday from 2-4 PM
Schedule an appointment by calling 334.821.2262 ext. 208 or emailing foodpantry@auburnhousingauth.org.
Auburn Forward Summer 2022 - Basketball Tournament
Calling All Ballers & Cheerleaders!
Auburn Housing Authority is organizing basketball teams and cheer squads to compete in the 2023 SERC-NAHRO MLK Basketball Tournament and Cheer competition held in Goldsboro, NC, January 13 - January 15, 2023.
Teams will compete in divisions 18 and under, 15 and under, or 12 and under.
To Be Eligible:
You must be served by AHA (PBV or TBV) or a member of Auburn Boys and Girls Club
18 or younger as of January 13, 2023
Must be enrolled in school or an approved GED program.
Have a C or better average or enrolled in a tutoring program
Cannot be a member of the Auburn City Schools' Basketball TeamIf interested, please contact
AJ Harris by phone at 334-821-2262 ext. 210 or by e-mail at ajharris@auburnhousingauth.org by September 28, 2022.
CDC Guidelines will be followed.