Roanoke Rising Winter 2021
Roanoke Rising Winter 2021 - COVER
Roanoke Rising Winter 2021
Roanoke Rising Winter 2021 - From the CEO
FROM THE CEO
Sharon N. Tolbert, Chief Executive Officer
Needless to say, 2020 has been a year to remember. My heart goes out to everyone that has been affected by the Coronavirus ("COVID-19") pandemic.
I would like to give a special thank you to the families that we serve for your continued patience as we navigate through our modified business operations due to the pandemic. I do apologize for the inconvenience our office closure may have caused. Although we are starting to see progress in the fight against COVID-19, the Roanoke Housing Authority ("RHA") will continue with Phase 2 of its Reopening Plan due to the continued threat of the Coronavirus and the Governor's Safer at Home order which has been extended through January 22, 2021, coupled with Alabama's state of emergency extended to March 8. Staff will be onsite during normal business hours; however, the office will be closed to the general public but we are accepting appointments.
As a result of COVID-19 waivers offered by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), there has been leniency in complying with various regulatory requirements including an eviction moratorium. Please keep in mind, HUD waivers and the eviction moratorium will be expiring soon. Although RHA's primary mission is to provide housing, we must also comply with HUD's regulatory requirements.
To secure your housing assistance, I encourage our residents to comply with recertification requirements, report changes in income and household composition as required, fulfill your dwelling lease obligations, pay rent and fees on time, check your mail regularly concerning time-sensitive correspondence regarding your assistance, and other applicable requirements.
Thank you to the RHA staff! Due to your hard work and dedication, the RHA has continued to provide safe, decent, and sanitary housing for its residents and participants. During 2020 RHA implemented various services to better serve our residents to include: online rent payment, virtual informational sessions with staff, free COVID-19 care packages and onsite testing, free flu shots, onsite voter registration, virtual resident training sessions, and more. In 2021, we are planning to offer additional services consisting of an online resident portal.
I want to thank the RHA's Board of Commissioners for their continued support and dedication. Special thank you to all of our community partners that have assisted with providing services to our residents.
As it has been said regarding COVID-19, "there's light at the end of the tunnel but we are still in the tunnel". As we all prepare for 2021, I ask that you please adhere to the CDC's guidelines in an effort to minimize the spread of COVID-19 and to flatten the curve. "We are in uncharted territory and we will all learn together".
It is my desire that you continue to find the Roanoke Rising 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!
Please stay safe,
Sharon N. Tolbert
Roanoke Rising Winter 2021 - Board of Commissioners
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.
Terry Kennedy,
ChairpersonPaula Lambert,
Vice ChairpersonMichael Watkins,
CommissionerRobert Alton Joiner,
CommissionerSarah Nunn,
Resident Commissioner
RECOGNITIONS
The RHA would like to thank Mr. Tom Staples for five years of loyal and dedicated service for serving on the Board of
Commissioners. Commissioner Staples' term expired on November 27, 2020.
The RHA would like to welcome Mr. Alton Joiner to its Board of Commissioners. Mr. Joiner's term began on November 28, 2020.
UPCOMING MEETINGS:
Roanoke Housing Authority Board Meeting
Date: March 11, 2021
Time: 5:30pm (CST)Location: Zoom
Number: 1 312 626 6799
Meeting ID: 982 2540 9030
Roanoke Rising Winter 2021 - HR & News
New Employee
Welcome Dominique Moore, Property Manager III, she began employment with AHA on 11/17/20.
Wendy Cochran- 5 years
7/1/15-7/1/20Gaetan Hamel- 10 years
9/20/10-9/20/20
Retiring 1/1/2021
2020 Annual Staff Meeting was held via Zoom on December 17, 2020.
Birthdays:
Shay Blackmon - 1/26
Dominique Moore - 2/3
Natasha Hall - 2/13
Kenneth Pitchford - 3/14
Star Snipe - 3/30
Vacancies
AHA Maintenance Mechanic
To view the job description and apply, visit: auburnhousingauth.org/careers
Roanoke Rising Winter 2021 - IRS Notice
Treasury and IRS begin delivering second round of Economic Impact Payments to millions of Americans
IR-2020-280, December 29, 2020
WASHINGTON - Today, the Internal Revenue Service and the Treasury Department will begin delivering a second round of Economic Impact Payments as part of the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021 to millions of Americans who received the first round of payments earlier this year.
The initial direct deposit payments may begin arriving as early as tonight for some and will continue into next week. Paper checks will begin to be mailed tomorrow, Wednesday, December 30.
The IRS emphasizes that there is no action required by eligible individuals to receive this second payment. Some Americans may see the direct deposit payments as pending or as provisional payments in their accounts before the official payment date of January 4, 2021. The IRS reminds taxpayers that the payments are automatic, and they should not contact their financial institutions or the IRS with payment timing questions.
As with the first round of payments under the CARES Act, most recipients will receive these payments by direct deposit. For Social Security and other beneficiaries who received the first round of payments via Direct Express, they will receive this second payment the same way.
Anyone who received the first round of payments earlier this year but doesn't receive a payment via direct deposit will generally receive a check or, in some instances, a debit card. For those in this category, the payments will conclude in January. If additional legislation is enacted to provide for an additional amount, the Economic Impact Payments that have been issued will be topped up as quickly as possible.
Eligible individuals who did not receive an Economic Impact Payment this year - either the first or the second payment - will be able to claim it when they file their 2020 taxes in 2021. The IRS urges taxpayers who didn't receive a payment this year to review the eligibility criteria when they file their 2020 taxes; many people, including recent college graduates, may be eligible to claim it. People will see the Economic Impact Payments (EIP) referred to as the Recovery Rebate Credit (RRC) on Form 1040 or Form 1040-SR since the EIPs are an advance payment of the RRC.
"Throughout this challenging year, the IRS has worked around the clock to provide Economic Impact Payments and critical taxpayer services to the American people," said IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig. "We are working swiftly to distribute this second round of payments as quickly as possible. This work continues throughout the holidays and into the new year as we prepare for the upcoming filing season. We urge everyone to visit IRS.gov in the coming days for the latest information on these payments and for important information and assistance with filing their 2021 taxes."
Authorized by the newly enacted COVID-relief legislation, the second round of payments, or "EIP 2," is generally $600 for singles and $1,200 for married couples filing a joint return. In addition, those with qualifying children will also receive $600 for each qualifying child. Dependents who are 17 and older are not eligible for the child payment.
Roanoke Rising Winter 2021 - Covid19 Supply Bags
Covid-19 Supply Bags
Helping to prevent the spread of COVID-19 is one of our top priorities. Because of this, we have utilized some of our funding to provide our residents with Covid-19 supplies. Hand sanitizer and face masks are necessities these days and our residents continue to be grateful for the resources they are receiving. Residents and voucher participants can expect to receive more supplies during our January distribution.
Roanoke Rising Winter 2021 - Voter Registration
Voter Registration
Our staff hosted multiple voter registration drives throughout our communities to register residents to vote and allow them to request absentee ballots, pick up sample ballots, and receive other voter information for the November election.
Allowing residents the opportunity to conduct these tasks onsite was not only beneficial but convenient. With the pandemic, we did require social distancing and masks to be worn, but the overall turnout was a success.
Roanoke Rising Winter 2021 - We are social
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
Choose your favorite and like us for updates!
auburnhousingauth.org
Roanoke Rising Winter 2021 - College Scholarships
2021 PHADA Scholarship
High school seniors who are housing residents or Section 8 participants, and who are preparing to enter college, are invited to apply for the 2021 PHADA Scholarship. For More Information or to Apply Visit: phada.org
AHAEEF Scholarship
The Alabama Housing Authorities Education and Enrichment Fund (AHAEEF) Scholarship. Applicants must be a Public Housing/Section 8 resident (includes RAD PBV/PBRA). Stay up to date on this opportunity by visiting aahra.org/scholarships
2021 HAI Group Resident Scholarship
The 2021 HAI Group Resident Scholarship Program will be opening up for applications soon! Stay up to date on this opportunity by visiting housingcenter.com/scholarships
2021-2022 Hispanic Scholarship Fund Scholarship
The 2021-2022 Hispanic Scholarship Fund Scholarship application is now open! The deadline to apply is February 15th. For More Information or to Apply Visit: hsf.net/scholarship
FASFA
College-bound students can visit fafsa.gov to complete their free application for scholarships, grants, work-study jobs, and loans for the 2021-22 school year.
Students looking for assistance with college planning, including financial aid, can contact the Alabama Goes to College Help Desk at 334-316-6155 or @algoes2college on social media.
Roanoke Rising Winter 2021 - Ann Sharpe (RAB)
Get to know your Resident Advisory Board (LHA)
Ann Sharpe
Q: What site do you live at?
A: Seymour
Q: How many years have you been a resident?
A: 5 years
Q: What do you like to do in your free time?
A: Crochet, arts & crafts, cook, and be around my daughter and granddaughter.
Q: What's your favorite color?
A: RedQ: How would your friends describe you?
A: Caring!Q: What's your favorite TV Show?
A: Anything AnimeQ: What's your favorite singer?
A: PrinceQ: What's your favorite meal/restaurant/ food?
A: Spaghetti, my mother was Sicilian. My favorite restaurant is Olive Garden.Q: What is one interesting fact about yourself?
A: I care about all of the people we live next to, and I will help anyone out.Q: What's your favorite animal?
A: DogQ: Who would you want to play you in a movie of your life?
A: Goldie Hawn because she has a bubbly personality.Q: What's your favorite movie?
A: Terminator because of ArnoldQ: If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be?
A: Sicily, Italy because I would like to visit my Grandmother's home.Q: What do you want residents to know about you as a RAB Member?
A: That if they need help with anything, then let me know, and I will help in whatever way possible. As a RAB member, I am comfortable approaching staff to discuss.
Roanoke Rising Winter 2021 - Start Year Off Right
Top 3 Ways to Start the Year Off Right
Don't let the new year sneak up on you. Now is the perfect time to follow these 5 ways to start the year off right, and take charge of what you are getting out of life.
#1 Do a yearly review
Take stock of where you've been and appreciate all of the accomplishments you've made in the last year. In a typical yearly review, you should answer these types of questions:What went well for me last year?
What accomplishments did I have?
How did I improve my life?
How did I improve my relationships?
What did I remove from my life that is now making me happier?
What do I wish I had taken more time for?Keep track of these questions and your responses in a journal that you can refer back to in the future: your answers year over year will be very enlightening.
Ask these types of questions about all the important areas of your life, such as family, relationships, financial, career, home, etc. These questions will help you appreciate all you've accomplished in the previous year, and you can use this information to start the new year off right, and set better goals for the next year.
#2 Finish what you started
Which projects, errands, and general list of to-do items do you have left over from the previous year that you can complete in 2 hours or less? Do them now to clear your mind of the old items.Keeping projects around like pets doesn't do us any good-they just weigh on our minds, and people will spend hours thinking about something that will only take 10 minutes to take care of. Cross those things off your list and give yourself a fresh start.
#3 Be realistic
Dreaming is fabulous and highly recommended, but if you want to accomplish some improvements in your life, you need to be realistic. As much as you may want something, it's very likely you don't really believe you can have it. (If you did you would already have achieved it.) We have to turn a dream into something we can picture accomplishing before it can become a reality.Take your dream and start breaking it down into milestones: if you want to work from home, what are the steps you need to take? Break those steps down further so you can create a game-plan and start working towards accomplishing that dream.
Article From: lifehack.org/articles/lifestyle/start-the-year-off.html
Roanoke Rising Winter 2021 - Crossword Puzzle
Roanoke Rising Winter 2021 - Sudoku
Roanoke Rising Winter 2021 - Now Scheduling Appointments
Now Scheduling Appointments!Due to the ongoing effort to limit the spread of COVID-19 we will be seeing residents by appointment only. Walk-ins are not permitted.
To schedule an appointment:
RHA
Property Management
334-863-4513
Mondays & Wednesdays 8 am to 1 pm
Tuesdays & Thursdays 1 pm to 6 pm
Roanoke Rising Winter 2021 - Resident Info
Rent PaymentRHA Rent: Rent is 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. If rent is late 14 days, the resident may be in jeopardy of being evicted. Please pay your rent on time to eliminate late fees and possible eviction! Rent Payment Drop Box is available at the Avenue A Administrative Office Mondays & Wednesdays from 8am to 1pm and Tuesdays & Thursdays from 1pm to 6pm until further notice.
Rental Insurance
Residents are encouraged to obtain rental insurance. Rental insurance helps to protect your belongings after a covered loss.--
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. 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 A/C (when the outside temperature is 90 degrees or above)
-No Heat (when the outside temperature is less than 35 degrees)
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---
Upcoming Events:
Join us for a variety of classes this January directly from your phone, computer, or tablet!
Christian Women's Job Corp
Time: Jan 20, 2021 - 1:30 PM
Join Zoom Meeting: https://zoom.us/j/91807572275
Meeting ID: 918 0757 2275Scholarship Opportunities via Zoom
Time: Jan 26, 2021 - 4:30 PM
Join Zoom Meeting: https://zoom.us/j/93303630489
Meeting ID: 933 0363 0489---
Things to Come:
Covid-19 Supply Bags (January 2021)
School Supply Give-A-Way (January 2021)
Food Pantry (February 2020)
Resident Internet (Coming 2021)
Compliance Cameras (Coming 2021)Dates Subject to Change.
Roanoke Rising Winter 2021 - Online Rent Payments
Now Accepting Online Rent Payments!
Residents can now pay rent online using a debit/credit card. Rent payments made online will not incur any transaction fees.RHA
To make online payments visit https://rha.auburnhousingauth.org
Registration Instructions can be downloaded by clicking here. For additional assistance, contact AJ Harris at 334-821-2262 ext. 210