Roanoke Rising Winter 2024
Roanoke Rising Winter 2024 - Cover
Roanoke Rising
Winter 2024
Roanoke Rising Winter 2024 - CEO
Welcome to the Winter 2024 edition of the Roanoke Rising! I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Fall 2023 was fun, festive, and busy for our team! Kudos to our team for its FYE2023 performance! I am pleased to share that the Auburn, LaFayette, and Roanoke Housing Authority had a successful audit with no findings! Further, all agencies were High Performers for FYE2023! I want to commend our team for their hard work and dedication throughout the fiscal year. Know that it is recognized and greatly appreciated.
During the Thanksgiving holidays, the Roanoke Housing Authority (RHA) hosted a Farmer's Market; 46 families were served. Further, our team and the Board of Commissioners had its 2nd Annual Pre-Iron Bowl Tailgate and enjoyed food, games, and fellowship.
To close out 2023, Commissioners, Resident Advisory Board members, staff, and guests attended our Annual Christmas Luncheon on December 14th. We reflected on 2023 accomplishments, shared a delicious meal, recognized Commissioner and staff anniversaries, shared laughter during "Dirty Santa," and much more!
As always, I want to thank the Board for entrusting me to continue to serve as the CEO of the Roanoke Housing Authority. Thank you to our community partners for your contributions as we strive to provide valuable services and resources to our families.
I hope that you find the Winter 2024 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!
Wishing everyone a safe, healthy, and prosperous 2024! "Please take care of yourself and each other."
Bountiful Blessings,Sharon N. Tolbert, CEO
Roanoke Rising Winter 2024 - 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 approving 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. Thank you to all Commissioners for your loyal and dedicated service to the RHA!
Paula Lambert, Chairperson Scot Thomason, Vice Chairperson Sarah Nunn, Resident Commissioner Robert Alton Joiner, Commissioner Patrice Awbrey, Commissioner
RHA Board Meetings
Date: March 14, June 13, September 12
Time: 5:30 pm (CST)Location: RHA Administrative Office
201 Avenue A, Roanoke, AL.The date, time, and location are subject to change.
Board Updates
The Board did not meet in December 2023 due to the Christmas holidays. During the March 14, 2024, meeting, the Board will receive action item recommendations from the CEO regarding the 2024 HUD Annual Plan, 2024 CFF grant, applicable tenant write-offs, and more.
Thank you to all Commissioners for your loyal and dedicated service to the RHA! Special thank you to the Commissioners who attended the Christmas Luncheon on December 14th and those who volunteered during the Thanksgiving and Christmas Farmers Market events.
Roanoke Rising Winter 2024 - HR & News
New Team Members
Anthony "Tony" Askew
Maintenance Mechanic Asst - AHA (11.6.23)Mary Cameron
HCV Caseworker III (TBV) - AHA (12.18.23)Promotions
Dominique Moore
Interim Regional Property Manager (11/13/23)Jaquinta Pettus
Interim Property Manager
(12/13/23)
Employee Spotlight: Sandra Sanders
Sandra Sanders announced her retirement from Auburn Housing Authority effective February 1, 2024, after 29.5 years of employment beginning August 19, 2024, as the Administrative Assistant under then Executive Director Lee Eastman and currently CEO Sharon Tolbert. She was promoted to Administrative Assistant Accounting in August 2006 and then to Executive Administrative Assistant in July 2014. She has worn many hats during her employment at AHA and calls herself "Jackie of all trades, Master of none." She has fostered good relationships with staff, tenants, and all the Boards of Commissioners. We wish her well in her retirement.
Staff Directory
Tabitha Griffin Executive Business Coordinator 210 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
Todd James
HCV Caseworker II (PBV) 267 Mary Cameron
HCV Caseworker III (TBV) 224 mcameron@auburnhousingauth.org
Rachel Harris Family Self-Sufficiency Coordinator 259
Multifamily Housing (MFH) Laura Squiers MFH Director 243 lsquiers@auburnhousingauth.org
Dominique Moore Interim Regional Property Manager 242
Greg Moore Regional Maintenance Manager
262
Jaquinta Pettus Interim Property Manager 212
Charlotte Mattox Resident Services Coordinator 230
Finance Richetta Stephens Accountant 228 rstephens@auburnhousingauth.org
Sylvia Impson Purchasing/Inventory Clerk 255
LHA
Christina Williamson Property Manager - LHA 334-864-8391 RHA Beth Redding 334-869-8863
Roanoke Rising Winter 2024 - HR & News Continued
Office Closures
- New Year's Day, January 1st
- Martin Luther King Day, January 15th
Observed 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
- HCV Caseworker I (AHA)
- Human Resource Manager (AHA)
- Maintenance Mechanic (RHA)
- Maintenance Mechanic Asst. (LHA)
Visit www.auburnhousingauth.org/careers for job descriptions.
Employee Benefits:
- BCBS medical benefits
- BCBS dental benefits
- Group life insurance
- State retirement
- Supplemental Insurance
- Annual leave
- Sick leave
- Paid holidays
- Career Incentive Program
- Four-day work week (Monday - Thursday)
Finance/Accounts Payable
In an effort to increase efficiency and reduce processing time, AHA is converting to an online system for all finance department programs. A part of the conversion implementation includes processing Accounts Payable payments through ACH transfers. AHA will begin notifying vendors about the upcoming conversion and provide additional information on how vendors can begin receiving their payments through ACH instead of paper checks. If you are a current vendor with AHA and would like to begin receiving payments for invoices by ACH Transfer, email Richetta Stephens, AHA Accountant, at rstephens@auburnhousingauth.org to request a Vendor Direct Deposit Sign-Up Form. Complete the Direct Deposit Sign-Up Form and return it to the Finance Department and we can set you up for ACH payment.
In addition to ACH payments, AHA will begin coordinating with vendors to start sending/receiving invoices electronically. If you are a current vendor with AHA and would like to submit your invoices electronically instead of mailing a paper copy, you can email the invoice to accountspayable@auburnhousingauth.org. The AHA Accountant monitors the accountspayable@auburnhousingauth.org email account for receipt of submitted invoices and forwards the invoices for approval and processing. Electronic submission of invoices reduces processing time by eliminating delays caused by mailing paper copies through the US Postal Service.
Future implementation plans include the creation of a vendor portal allowing vendors to submit invoices, check on payment status, and download 1099s. If you are a current vendor partnering with AHA and would like more information related to ACH payments or electronic transmission of invoices, you can contact the Finance Department for more information. Richetta Stephens, AHA Accountant, can provide additional information and can be reached at (334) 821-2262, Extension 228, or by email at rstephens@auburnhousingauth.org.
Roanoke Rising Winter 2024 - Procurement
To accomplish our mission of providing affordable housing, it is imperative that AHA works with vendors and contractors who can deliver the highest quality of goods and services at the best value. In order to maximize its contracting dollars, AHA looks for as much competition as the open market will provide. We are always looking for new qualified vendors.
AHA is currently processing bids for roofing services for the Auburn and Roanoke sites. In addition, AHA is preparing a bid for FSS Coordinator Services to procure services to administer the Family Self-Sufficiency Program for Auburn Housing Authority. Expiring contracts expected to be procured in the next few months include competitive procurements for Fee Accounting Services, Auditing Services, and Lawn Maintenance at all AHA Sites. Future procurements for AHA may include services for plumbing, tree removal, and establishing a pool of vendors to supply maintenance materials when needed. Make sure that you register under the e-procurement site to ensure you receive notifications when related bids open for procurement. Learn more about becoming a vendor, current solicitations, and procurement guidelines by visiting www.auburnhousingauth.org/procurement.
E-Procurement Process
In an effort 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, there will not be any additional charges to your firm to use this Marketplace site if you desire to respond to a published procurement solicitation.
To take part in the e-procurement process, please follow these instructions:
- Access ha.economicengine.com (no "www").
- Click on the "login" button on the upper left side (for registered users) or
- Click the "Sign up as a Vendor" button on the lower left side (for non-registered users).
- Follow the listed directions.
- If you have any problems accessing or registering on the Marketplace, please contact customer support at (866) 526-9266.
Benefits of utilizing e-Procurement include:
- Automatic notification of bid opportunities
- The ability to download procurement documents directly from the Internet
- Automatic notification of addenda
- Access to procurement solicitation information 24 hours per day and 7 days a week
Roanoke Rising Winter 2024 - Patio Contest
Our community sparkled with holiday cheer as residents transformed their patios into enchanting displays of festive delight for the Best Dressed Holiday Patio Contest.
Residents went above and beyond, adorning their patios with twinkling lights, festive ornaments, and creative holiday displays.
Each entry radiated the warmth and magic of the season.
1st Place Winner- Unit #1, Ms. Glenda Caldwell
2nd Place Winner- Unit #11, Ms. Shunta Phillips
3rd Place Winner- Unit #4, Ms. Jequetta Marie Rayburn
Roanoke Rising Winter 2024 - Christmas Luncheon
What a festive and joyful event we had at our Annual Christmas Luncheon and Dirty Santa at the Marriott in Opelika, AL. Our team gathered for a delicious feast filled with laughter, good food, and the warmth of holiday cheer. It was a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments of the year and enjoy each other's company.
The highlight of the day was our hilarious and heartwarming Dirty Santa gift exchange. From quirky gifts to unexpected surprises, our team knows how to spread holiday joy with a touch of humor.
Check out our photo album for a glimpse of the laughter, smiles, and camaraderie that filled the room. Thank you to everyone who contributed to making this event a success. Your festive spirit and enthusiasm are truly the heart of our holiday celebrations!
Roanoke Rising Winter 2024 - 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 Mary Cameron at 334-821-2262 ext. 224 or by e-mail at mcameron@auburnhousingauth.org.
Project Based Vouchers (PBV)
PBV is similar to TBV. 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 households that include a non-elderly person(s) with a disability. This is defined as any family that includes a person with a disability who is at least 18 years old and not yet 62 years old at the effective date of the initial Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) Contract. Aside from serving a special population, Mainstream Vouchers are administered using the same rules as other Housing Choice Vouchers. AHA's Mainstream Voucher waiting list is currently closed; however, HCV will open the waiting list for Mainstream Vouchers on May 15, 2023, and accept the first 100 qualifying applicants.
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.
Roanoke Rising Winter 2024 - Policy Reminders
Surveillance Cameras
As you may have noticed, surveillance cameras have been installed at all sites. There are plans to add more cameras in the near future. Also, additional lighting has been added to all properties.
If you have questions, contact Laura Squiers, Multifamily Housing Director, at (334) 821-2262 ext. 243 or lsquiers@auburnhousingauth.org.
Policy Reminder
RHA is committed to providing all residents with safe, decent, and sanitary housing and ensuring that all residents have the right to peaceful enjoyment of their apartment. As a part of this commitment, RHA has implemented weekly property assessments. As a result, RHA requests residents' assistance in addressing frequent issues observed. (Please note that all residents agree to abide by this policy upon signing a lease, failure to do so can lead to fines and eviction.)
1. No parking on or driving across the grass is permitted at any time.
2. Before bringing a pet and/or service animal home, you must contact RHA's office. RHA has no pet visitation policy.
3. All smoke detectors inside the home must be operable. Residents should contact the office to request batteries for all beeping smoke detectors. Smoke detectors should not be tampered with, removed, disconnected, or covered.
Contact RHA Property Manager Beth Redding via phone at 334-869-8863 or e-mail at redding@auburnhousingauth.org.
Exterior and Groundskeeping
RHA is committed to providing an attractive environment for all our communities. Residents, please be reminded that:
1. All garbage and debris must be disposed of in the City of Roanoke assigned garbage carts. No trash should accumulate on the grounds or porch of the apartment.
2. All garbage carts must be stored appropriately at the rear of my apartment. Garbage carts are allowed on the street the night before the scheduled pickup and returned to storage the next day.
3. All child(ren)/guests; conduct must be controlled to prevent damage to the interior and exterior of the apartment.
4. Roofs must be free of litter, sticks, and other debris.
5. Do not accumulate items on the porch, yard, or any other property premises.
6. Inoperable vehicles are not allowed in parking areas, sidewalks, or grass.
7. All bicycles and toys must be stored appropriately and not scattered around the yard.
8. All large items (sofas, mattresses, etc.) must not be on the curb earlier than one day before the scheduled City of Roanoke garbage pickup.
Roanoke Rising Winter 2024 - Resident Corner
Rent Payment
ALL locations will stop taking rent at 4:30 p.m. on the last business day of each month.
Rental InsuranceResidents 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
RHA's Pet Policy is included within the Lease Addendum signed by all Residents. By signing, residents agreed to report all pets and pay deposits and applicable fees. Per the lease, RHA residents agree to:
"Not 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 the Pet Policy. 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 RHA's Pet Policy, contact Beth Redding via phone at 334-863-4513 or via e-mail at bredding@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 RHA units. Residents will be required to go into another room until all maintenance issues have been addressed.
An emergency work order will be completed 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 2024 - Policy Alert
POLICY ALERT
Collection Policy
(Excerpt)
I. RENT DUE DATE: Rent and service fees are due on the first (1st) of each month. No partial payments will be accepted on or after the rent due date.
II. LATE FEE CHARGED: If rent and service fees are not received by 5:00 p.m. on the sixth (6th) of the month, a "late fee" in accordance with the Board approved posted current late fee charge will be added to your account.
III. Residents who fail to pay their rent or make arrangements to resolve balances by 5:00 p.m. on the sixth (6th) will be sent a "LEASE TERMINATION NOTICE."
IV. Residents requesting a hardship must request the hardship prior to being considered late. Hardships will not be granted on requests made after the last day to pay on time unless a verifiable emergency exists.
V. Residents who are still residing in the apartment after the lease termination notice has expired will be issued eviction papers.
VI. If a resident moves out of a dwelling unit owing the Housing Authority for back rent, repairs, and/or other expenses, he or she should arrange for the debt to be paid or face possible court action.
VII. Residents who are late with their rent (have not paid rent on or before the 6th of the month) 3 times in a calendar year will receive a "LEASE TERMINATION NOTICE": Non-Curable.
Roanoke Rising Winter 2024 - Back Cover
Mainstream Voucher Waiting List is Open!
- Mainstream Vouchers are for households with a non-elderly disabled person.
- This is defined as any family that includes a person with a disability who is at least 18 years old and not yet 62 years old.
We need your help to keep OUR communities clean!
Garbage cans
- Can be placed at the curb the night prior to pick up.
- Must be removed from the curb the evening after pick up and placed at the back of your unit.
- Fines could be imposed if cans are left by the curb on days that there is no garbage pick up.
Now that spring is here, we want to give you a few reminders from your lease.
- The Resident agrees only to use authorized grills and to use grills (including storage) in areas authorized by the HA. In no circumstances shall the grills be used under a porch/covering or within 10 feet of any overhang or housing authority building.
- The use of any swimming pools on the premises is prohibited.
- Playground equipment, including swings, slides, trampolines, basketball goals, etc., which is not HA approved and/or provided, is prohibited.