Roanoke Rising Fall 2022
Roanoke Rising Fall 2022 - Cover
Roanoke Rising
Winter 2022
Roanoke Rising Fall 2022 - From the CEO
Sharon N. Tolbert, Chief Executive Officer
Welcome to the Fall 2022 edition of the Roanoke Rising! As we prepare to say goodbye to Summer, we welcome the Fall season that brings the anticipated football season, cooler temperatures, and the
Thanksgiving holidays.Summer has been eventful for our team! The Board approved the FYB2022 operating budget, revised policies, and elected officers. The Roanoke Housing Authority (RHA) hosted a tailgate to kick off the football season, which included food, games, and fun. HUD conducted its onsite REAC inspection. Staff attended the 2022 AAHRA Annual Conference. During the conference, RHA received an award in the Best Practices (small category) for its onsite Farmer's Market, which benefited 48 families. Thank you to our team for your hard work during the previous quarter!
We anticipate the Fall season being as exciting as the Summer. Our primary initiatives include closing RHA's RAD PBRA conversion transaction, preparing for the FYE2022 audit, and implementing resident service programs.
As always, I want to thank our Commissioners for their service and dedication to RHA. 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 Fall 2022 Roanoke Rising edition to be a useful tool to communicate upcoming news, events, and more. For more information, please visit our website at www.auburnhousingauth.org and sign up for News and More to receive email and text notifications. Also, be sure to connect with us on social media!
As we enjoy the cool and crisp weather that comes with the Fall season, I hope that you stay safe and enjoy all the beauty this lovely season may bring.
Until next time, "please take care of yourself and each other."
Bountiful Blessings,
Sharon N. Tolbert
Roanoke Rising Fall 2022 - Commissioner's Corner
RHA is governed by a five-member Board of Commissioners, representing a cross-section of the community and appointed by the Mayor of the City of Roanoke. One member must be a resident of an RHA property or program.
The Commissioners are responsible for overseeing the fiscal management of the agency and 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.
Paula Lambert, Chairperson Sarah Nunn, Vice-Chairperson & Resident Commissioner Robert Alton Joiner, Commissioner Patrice Awbrey, Commissioner
Scot Thomason, Commissioner
RHA Board Meetings
Date: 2nd Thursday in March, June, September, and December
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
During the last quarter, Paula Lambert was re-elected Chairperson, and Sarah Nunn was re-elected Vice Chairperson. Both will serve in their respective positions from July 1, 2022 - June 30, 2023.
The Board also approved the RHA's fiscal year beginning (FYB) 2022 operating budgets, FYB2021 budget adjustments, policy updates, and other action items.
Thank you to all Commissioners for your loyal and dedicated service to the RHA!
Roanoke Rising Fall 2022 - Human Resources & News
Staff Directory
Sandra Sanders Executive Admin Assistant 237 ssanders@auburnhousingauth.org Multi-Family Housing (MFH) Laura Squiers MFH Director 243 lsquiers@auburnhousingauth.org Beth Redding Property Manager 334-863-4513 bredding@auburnhousingauth.org Greg Moore Regional Maintenance Manager 262 gmoore@auburnhousingauth.org Finance Wendy Cochran Chief Operating Officer 247 wcochran@auburnhousingauth.org Richetta Stephens Procurement Officer 228 rstephens@auburnhousingauth.org Sylvia Impson Purchasing Clerk 255 simpson@auburnhousingauth.org Public Relations (PR) & Compliance AJ Harris Director of PR & Compliance 210 ajharris@auburnhousingauth.org Charlotte Mattox Resident Services Coordinator 230 cmattox@auburnhousingauth.org Note: To contact staff at the Auburn Admin Office, dial 334-821-2262 and enter extension once prompted.
Retirements and Transfers
Tim Wright was hired on September 4, 2012, as RHA's Maintenance Mechanic, and retired on October 1, 2022, after 10 years of service. Charlotte Bowen transferred to HCV Caseworker II (TBV) effective 9/19/22. Dominique Moore promoted to Interim Property Management Supervisor effective 9/1/22. Employee Spotlight
Beth Redding joined the RHA team in July 2012. Beth came to RHA with previous experience working in Public Housing in Atlanta, GA. She moved to Roanoke for a change of scenery and has immersed herself in the Roanoke community. Beth has dedicated most of her life to ensuring many families have a safe place to live. Beth takes time to know each of her residents and cherishes the moments she gets to speak and interact with them. RHA is grateful to have Beth as part of the RHA Team.
Roanoke Rising Fall 2022 - HR Continued
Observed Holidays
- Veteran's Day (November 11)
- Thanksgiving (November 23 - 24)
- Christmas (December 26)
- New Years (January 2)
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
- Maintenance Mechanic (RHA site)
- Landlord Liaison
- HCV Caseworker ll (PBV)
Employee Benefits:
- BCBS medical benefits
- BCBS dental benefits
- Group life insurance
- State retirement
- Supplemental insurance
- Annual leave
- Sick leave
- Paid holidays
- Four-day work week (Monday - Thursday)
- Career Incentive Program (CIP)*
*The Board of Commissioners approved the CIP in May 2022. The CIP encourages employees to obtain and develop job-related knowledge and skills, which enhances their value to AHA and its managed agencies. To foster participation in higher-level career development opportunities, the CIP incentivizes employees to achieve various professional development milestones.
Visit www.auburnhousingauth.org 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
Roanoke Rising Fall 2022 - Contact Information
Roanoke Housing Authority
Contact Information:231 Avenue A
Roanoke, AL 36274
Phone: 334-869-8863
Monday-Thursday
7:30 am-5:30 pmBe sure to connect with us on social media and subscribe to receive text via our website at www.auburnhousingauth.org.
Roanoke Housing Authority and Equal Housing Opportunity Logo
Roanoke Rising Fall 2022 - Awards & Accolades
2022 AAHRA Conference (state):
Best Practices Award (medium category): Food Pantry2022 AAHRA Conference (state):
Best Practices Award (small category): Onsite Farmer's Market (RHA)2022 NAHRO National Award of Merit (regional):
Administrative Innovation Award - Rebranding and Virtual Initiative2022 SERC Award: Collaboration Award Category - Onsite Farmers Market
2022 HAI Group's Low Loss Award (national)
2022 HAI Loss Prevention Fund Award (national)For a complete list of awards visit www.auburnhousingauth.org/awards
Roanoke Rising Fall 2022 - Farmers Market
Roanoke Housing Authority (RHA) partnered with the Food Bank of East Alabama to host a Farmers Market on July 13th.
Forty-nine (49) families throughout the community received fresh produce, fruits, juices, and more.
Roanoke Rising Fall 2022 - Tailgate Party
Roanoke Housing Authority (RHA) hosted a Tailgate Event to celebrate the Handley High School Football Season. The RHA Tailgate included games, food, and snacks. We thank all the residents and community that came out to celebrate with us. We want to thank RHA Resident Commissioner Sarah Nunn, RHA Commissioner Scot Thomason, RHA Board Chairperson Paula Lambert, Roanoke Police Chief Jonathan Caldwell and Lieutenant Mark Farmer, and Roanoke City Councilwoman Tammi Holley for attending. We want to thank Corner One (ESSO Gas Station - Mr. John Glass), WM Grocery (Mr. Mike Parmer), Taco Bell (Ms. Tanektua Weaver), and Walmart Corporation (Store #10863) for their donations toward the success of the RHA Tailgate Event.
Roanoke Rising Fall 2022 - Back to School
Our RHA youth celebrated the last days of summer with a fun event filled with free food and back-to-school supplies!
RHA values our young residents. We hope these school supplies will help each of you start the school year strong. Education can provide you with opportunities to achieve whatever goals you desire in life.
Continue to strive to achieve academic excellence. Please know that your RHA staff is here to assist you.
Roanoke Rising Fall 2022 - Resident Corner
Compliance Cameras
Compliance Cameras are planned contingent upon funding. The Compliance Cameras will be installed on the exterior of various units. The Compliance Cameras will allow staff to better monitor properties and improve the level of service we provide to our residents. 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.
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 www.ACPBenefit.org; and
2. Contact a participating provider to select an internet plan and have the ACP discount applied.
Rent Payment
1) As of July 1, 2021, cash payments are no longer accepted. If you place your payment in drop box, please pay by check or money order. You may also pay by debit/credit card in person or online at apps.auburnhousingauth.org.
2) Late fees have been reinstated beginning with September 2021 rent. Please remember rent is due on the 1st and late after the 6th. If the 6th falls on a holiday or weekend, you will have until the end of the following business day to pay without penalty.
3) If you have a prior balance, please contact the property manager to set up a repayment agreement. For those that submitted an Authorization Form for consideration in the Emergency Rental Assistance Alabama (ERAA) program, please be sure to check your email for directions from ERAA on completing your application.
Roanoke Rising Fall 2022 - Resident Corner Continued
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
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. 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 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 Fall 2022 - More Resident Corner
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 by e-mail at bredding@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.
Curb Stopper Award
RHA is looking for residents with the best curb appeal. We invite you to decorate your front and back yard and porch for a chance to win a $50 gift, a yard sign, and a feature story in the quarterly newsletter. Awards will be given quarterly. The RHA Team will assess yards during the seasonal period and place signs in yards under consideration for the Quarterly RHA Curb Stopper Award. Winners will be announced via social media, website, and other available outlets at the end of the seasonal period. The seasonal periods will be:
The seasonal periods will be:
Fall - September - November
Winter - December - February
Spring - March - May
Summer - June - AugustEligible yards must:
- Comply with all RHA policies (Contact the RHA office to request copies)
- Include Front and Back yards and porches
- Get approval from the Property Manager before making any fundamental changes to the yard or building structure.
RHA encourages all residents to participate! Contact Property Manager Beth Redding via phone at 334-869-8863 and e-mail at bredding@auburnhousingauth.org for questions concerning the RHA Curb Stopper Award Contest.
Roanoke Rising Fall 2022 - Foster Youth
Our Agency has partnered with the Alabama Department of Human Resources to provide the Foster Youth Independence Housing Voucher.
HUD's FYI Initiative targets housing assistance to young people aging out of foster care and who are at extreme risk of experiencing homelessness. The initiative offers housing vouchers to local public housing authorities to prevent or end homelessness among young adults under the age of 25 who are, or have recently left, the foster care system without a home to go to.
- At least 18 years and not more than 24 years of age
- Left foster care, or will leave foster care within 90 days, in accordance with a transition plan described in Section 475(5)(H) of the Social Security Act.
- Homeless or is at risk of becoming homeless at age 16 or older.
A young person who meets the above requirements and is pregnant and parenting is also eligible as long as the children they are parenting do not have an open child welfare case.
Eligible youth may be referred to the program through public child welfare agencies and Continuums of Care.
For more information, contact Interim HCV Manager Shannon Walters at sbarrios@auburnhousingauth.org or 334-821-2262 ext. 221.
Roanoke Rising Fall 2022 - RAB
Dedicated Board Members Wanted!
The Resident Advisory Board (RAB) members work with the housing authority team to provide feedback, make suggestions, and represent the community at various events.
Member Characteristics
The Resident Advisory Board (RAB) is composed of residents and program participants who want to be community leaders.
- Desire to make a difference in your community
- Wish to engage with other members of your community
- Wish to engage with housing authority team members
- Have a lot of ideas that you want to share
- Desire to be an active community leader
- Desire to be more actively engaged in your community
- Love working on a team
Requirements
- Must be in good standing with the Housing Authority
- Available to attend Monthly Meetings and represent the authority at events
- Commit to making an impact in their community
To apply, complete the Resident Advisory Board Interest Application.
Contact Resident Services Coordinator Charlotte Mattox at 334-821-2262 ext. 230 with any questions.
Roanoke Rising Fall 2022 - Back Cover
Roanoke 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 a resident of Roanoke Housing Authority
- 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 Roanoke City Schools' Basketball Team
If interested, please contact AJ Harris by phone at 334-821-2262 ext. 210 or by e-mail at ajharris@auburnhousingauth.org.
CDC Guidelines will be followed.