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Roanoke Rising Winter 2020


Roanoke Rising Winter 2020 - Front Cover

Roanoke Rising

Winter 2020

  • Fall Recap
  • Meet Your Staff
  • Resident News
  • Spring Cleaning
  • Free Tax Prep
  • Census 2020

RHA Winter Newsletter front cover with staff


Roanoke Rising Winter 2020 (Census 2020) Page 12

RESIDENT INFO

Rent Payment
Rent and service fees are due the 1st of each month, late after the 6th. If the last day to pay rent falls upon a day the Authority is closed
(weekend or holiday) then residents have the next business day to pay rent. The late fee is $40.00 per month. Please pay your rent on time to eliminate late fees and possible eviction!

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Rental Insurance
Residents are encouraged to obtain rental insurance. Rental insurance helps to protect your belongings after a covered loss.

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Maintenance
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. 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:

Routine Maintenance Work Orders:
(334) 863-4513

Emergency AFTER hours Work Orders:
(334) 321-7525

For Police and Fire Emergencies dial 911

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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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WE ARE SOCIAL...

Stay updated on events, programs and initiatives sponsored by The Auburn, LaFayette and Roanoke Housing Authorities by liking, following, and engaging with us on social media. We're your key to Housing Opportunities!

CONNECT WITH US...
@AuburnHousing
AUBURNHOUSINGAUTH.ORG
sign up for "News and More" to receive email and text notifications.

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RHA Public Hearing Notice
A Public Hearing will be held on March 10, 2020 at 1:30 PM to receive public comments regarding the proposed and amended Five-Year Plans, Annual Plan and CFP Plans. The Hearing will be held at the Roanoke Housing Authority
located at 231 Avenue A, Roanoke, AL 36274.

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RHA Staff Spring Cleaning
RHA staff will be out during March and April picking up trash around the properties.  You are invited to come out and meet RHA staff and assist in cleanup. Dates and times will be announced at a later date.


Roanoke Rising Winter 2020 (From the CEO) Page 2

From the CEO

Sharon Tolbert CEO in RHA Winter Newsletter

SHARON N. TOLBERT
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

It is my desire that you found the first edition of The Roanoke
Rising Fall 2019 newsletter to be a useful tool to communicate
upcoming events, news and more with our residents, community
partners and the public at large! The Winter 2020 edition reflects
on events from the previous quarter and upcoming events.

We were busy during the last quarter but a lot was accomplished.
In November 2019, the FYE2019 audit was completed for the
Roanoke Housing Authority (RHA). Under the management of the
Auburn Housing Authority (AHA), I am pleased to say there were
no findings or concerns. In addition, RHA received a "High
Performer" rating based on the Department of Housing and Urban
Development's (HUD) performance measurement standards. It
takes hard work and dedicated employees to continue to perform
at this level. I want to express my sincere gratitude to all
employees for your commitment and dedication to the success of
the RHA.

I also want to thank the Board of Commissioners for your
dedication to the RHA and entrusting me to serve as the CEO.
Thank you for your time, support and commitment to the RHA
organization. I truly appreciate your service to the RHA and the
Roanoke community.

To all of our community partners, thank you for partnering with
RHA as we strive to fulfill our mission to provide safe, decent,
and sanitary housing conditions for individuals and families. Our
objective is to provide personal, economic, and social upward
mobility by offering individuals and families the opportunity to
make the transition from subsidized to non-subsidized housing.

I look forward to another great quarter! For more information,
please visit our website at www.auburnhousingauth.org and sign
up for "News and More" to receive email and text notifications.
You may also follow AHA on Facebook, Twitter and Linkedin.


Sharon N. Tolbert


Roanoke Rising Winter 2020 (Commissioner's Corner) Page 3

Commissioners

Terry Kennedy Chairperson Terry Kennedy, Chairperson
Paula Lambert Vice-Chairperson Paula Lambert, Vice-Chairperson
Michael Watkins Comissioner Michael Watkins, Commissioner
Tom Staples Jr Commissioner Tom Staples Jr., Commissioner
Sarah Nunn Resident Commissioner Sarah Nunn, Resident
Commissioner

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About the Board

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 is held at the Roanoke Housing Authority's Administrative Office located at 231 Avenue A. The meeting date is subject to change.

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Roanoke Rising Winter 2020 (Human Resources and News) Page 4

HUMAN RESOURCES & NEWS

New AHA Employees

DeWana Blackmon, HCV Receptionist/Clerk in RHA newsletter

DeWana (Shay) Blackmon

HCV Receptionist/Clerk

RECOGNITIONS

Sandra Sanders and Kelvin Whitlow were recognized during AHA' Annual Christmas in December 2019 for their loyal and dedicated service.

Sandra Sanders 25 years of service recognition in RHA newsletter Sandra Sanders
25 years of service
Kelvin Whitlow 5 years of service recognition in LHA newsletter Kelvin Whitlow
5 years of service

HERE TO SERVE YOU

Sharon Tolbert AHA CEO orange shirt in RHA newsletter Sharon Tolbert
CEO
Sandra Sanders AHA HR orange shirt in RHA newsletter Sandra Sanders
Executive Admin. Asst/
Human Resources
Charlotte Mattox AHA Resident Services orange shirt in RHA newsletter Charlotte Mattox
Resident Services
Coordinator

MULTIFAMILY HOUSING DEPARTMENT (LHA SITE)

Multifamily Housing RHA site newsletter 2020 winter

From left to right: Carrie Smith (Regional Property Mgr.), Mark Ellis (Regional Maintenance Mgr.), Timothy Wright (Maintenance Mechanic), Beth Redding (Property Manager I), and AJ Harris (Director of Property Operations)

HOUSING CHOICE VOUCHER DEPARTMENT

AHA Housing Choice Voucher Department in RHA newsletter 2020 winter

From Left to Right: Star Snipe (HCV Director), Natasha Hall (HCV
Caseworker), Laura Squiers (HCV Caseworker)

FINANCE DEPARTMENT

Finance Department AHA in RHA newsletter winter

From Left to Right: Wendy Cochran (Finance Director), Sylvia Impson
(Purchasing Clerk), Richetta Stephens (Procurement Specialist)


Roanoke Rising Winter 2020 (Census 2020) Page 5

Census 2020
The results of the 2020 Census will help determine each state's representation in Congress, as well as how certain funds are spent for schools, hospitals, roads, and more. This is your chance to play a part in history and help ensure that everyone in your community is counted!

 

Be A Census Taker!

Are you looking for the perfect opportunity to earn some extra income while helping your community? This is your chance
to play a part in history and help ensure that everyone in your
community is counted! 

To be eligible for a 2020 Census job, you must:
-Be at least 18 years old.
-Be a U.S. citizen.
-Commit to completing the training.
-Be available to work flexible hours, which can include days,
evenings, and/or weekends.

Interested in learning more or applying? Visit 2020census.gov/jobs


Roanoke Rising Winter 2020 (Scholarships) Page 6

Scholarship Opportunities

The 2020 HAI Group Resident Scholarship Program is open for submissions!  This year, 20 people will win scholarships valued at $6,000 each! Residents submit your completed entry form by Thursday, April 30, 2020. Completed entries will be placed into a drawing to be held on or about Monday, May 4, 2020.

Applications are being accepted for The Alabama Housing Authorities Education and Enrichment Fund (AHAEEF) Scholarship. Applicants must be a Public Housing/Section 8 resident (includes RAD PBV/PBRA). Application deadline March 23, 2020.

The 2020-2021 Hispanic Scholarship Fund Scholarship application is now open! High school seniors of Hispanic heritage can earn $500 to
$5,000.

Visit www.auburnhousingauth.org/scholarships for more information or to apply.


Roanoke Rising Winter 2020 (Employee Christmas) Page 7

Female employees smiling at the Christmas Luncheon

Lady looking on with slight smile

Man in a vest holding an opened Christmas gift

Employee waving in shock

Maintenance staff at christmas luncheon

 

Our employees came together prior to the holidays to enjoy good food, express appreciation, and engage in a lot of laughs! See the full album on our Facebook pages and at www.auburnhousingauth.org


Roanoke Rising Winter 2020 (Census 2020) Page 8

Dr. Bernard Lafayette at the MLK Scholarship breakfast

Dr. Bernard Lafayette

The Auburn Housing Authority sponsored a table at the annual Dr. Martin Luther King Scholarship Breakfast. Civil rights leader, Dr. Bernard Lafayette, was the guest speaker.

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Senior Holiday Luncheon group at restaurant

We had a great time at our Senior Citizen's Holiday Luncheon. Our residents and staff enjoyed delicious food and great conversation! 

See the full album on our Facebook pages and at  www.auburnhousingauth.org

 

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SaveFirst has partnered with Auburn University to offer tax preparation services now through March 5 at the Boykin Community Center. Tax preparation by IRS certified volunteers is free for households earning up to $56,000.To take advantage of the services, taxpayers can make an appointment by calling 1-888-99-TAX-AL or visiting impactamerica.com/freetaxprep.

The Boykin Community Center is located at 400 Boykin St., Auburn,  AL.

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Understanding Mortgages

Financial Seminar 

February 25th - 3PM

Sparkman Community Center

1350 Commerce Dr. Auburn, AL 

For more information contact: Charlotte Mattox

334.821.2262 ext 230


Roanoke Rising Winter 2020 (Property Management) Page 9

5 Ways to Rebound from Holiday Spending

-First, keep in mind that you are not alone.

-Second, take an honest assessment of the damage and talk to a trusted family member, friend or debt counselor about your concern.

-Third, if you are able, return any gifts you have bought or received for a refund or, at least, store credit to be used at a better time.

-Fourth, immediately figure out a debt repayment plan, develop a budget for the coming months and stick to it. Confide in a trusted family member or friend who can hold you accountable.

-Fifth, don't be too proud to ask for help emotionally or financially if you're so tapped out you're having trouble making ends meet. Although nobody should enable an over spender, you might find support if you are serious about owning up and breaking the cycle. This includes calling the credit card companies to negotiate a more favorable debt repayment plan, making serious changes to your habits and maybe selling things or dipping into savings.


Roanoke Rising Winter 2020 (Bed Bugs) Page 10

Bed Bugs and Prevention

"BED BUGS ARE HARDY INSECTS: THEY ARE ABLE TO SURVIVE WITHOUT FEEDING FOR A YEAR".

When fighting, it is good to know your enemy. Bed bugs are reddish-brown, flattened, oval and wingless. They feed exclusively on warm-blooded animals-like humans. Bed bugs are hardy insects: They are able to survive without feeding for a year. In humans, bed bugs bites may cause skin rashes, psychological effects and allergic symptoms.

Rental premises may become infested with bed bugs in a variety of ways, including entering the premises on pets, clothing, luggage, furniture, or wild animals such as rodents, bats or birds; arriving via duct work or other routes from nearby dwellings. "Bed bugs" earned their name thanks to their proclivity for living in mattresses, box springs and bed frames. For this reason, references to bed bugs are a common nighttime adage: "Sleep tight; don't let the bed bugs bite!"

Nevertheless, bed bugs are not limited to bed-rooms and may live anywhere in a home, including furniture, curtains and wallpaper. Frustratingly, bed bugs are known to be elusive and nocturnal. They are best detected by their bites as well as fecal spots and blood smears on bedsheets.

Landlord Terms

Lease terms can require tenants to report sightings of bedbugs. A quick response may help limit the infestation. The lease can also include requirements that tenants' mattresses and box springs be synthetically encased-to help prevent bedbug infestation. The lease can also specify that the tenant is obligated to allow entry to pest control exterminators and to cooperate fully in eradicating any pest infestations. Building maintenance staff can be trained to recognize
bedbugs and signs of bedbug infestations. Early detection is best!

Bedbug Treatments

Getting rid of bedbugs begins with cleaning up the places where bedbugs live. This should include the following:

Clean bedding, linens, curtains, and clothing in hot water and dry them on the highest dryer setting. Place stuffed animals, shoes, and other items that can't be washed in the dryer and run on high for 30 minutes.

Vacuum your bed and surrounding area frequently. After vacuuming, immediately place the vacuum cleaner bag in a plastic bag and place in garbage can outdoors.


Encase mattress and box springs with a tightly woven, zippered cover to keep bedbugs from entering or escaping. Bedbugs may live up to a year without feeding, so keep the cover on your mattress for at least a year to make sure all bugs in the mattress are dead. Repair cracks in plaster and glue down peeling wallpaper to get rid of places bedbugs can hide. Get rid of clutter around the bed.


Roanoke Rising Winter 2020 (Resident Notice) Page 11

RESIDENT NOTICE

RHA's public housing program is funded by the federal government and RHA must comply with the Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) regulations and RHA's internal policies and procedures. RHA encourages families at RHA 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 changes of your income and household composition as required.
c. Comply with your landlord's dwelling lease.
d. Comply with all written requests that are submitted by the RHA 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 assistance, please contact the following:

Roanoke Housing Authority
231 Avenue A
Roanoke, AL 36274


Beth Redding, Property Manager I
Telephone: (334) 863-4630
Email: bredding@auburnhousingauth.org

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PLEASE READ:
FREEZE WARNING REMINDERS 


As we prepare for the expected freezing temperatures forecasted for our area, we want to remind each of you of precautions to take when experiencing freezing weather.


1. Please leave faucets in your unit on a slight drip.
2. Turn your heat on and leave it at 65 degrees, minimum.
3. Leave cabinet doors in the kitchen open to allow pipes underneath the sink to receive warm air. This is particularly important when the sink is on the inside of an outside wall.
4. When we have rain and then freezing temperatures, use EXTREME caution when using walkways as walkways may tend to accumulate ice.


If you have a maintenance emergency, please contact us at 334-864-8391 and follow the prompts to reach an after-hours maintenance technician.