LaFayette Leader Fall 2023
LaFayette Leader Fall 2023 - Cover
LaFayette Leader
Fall 2023
LaFayette Leader Fall 2023 - CEO Message
The LaFayette Housing Authority is managed by the Auburn Housing Authority.
Welcome to the Fall 2023 edition of the LaFayette Leader! Fall has always been my favorite season. I look forward to the crisp weather, football season, vibrant hues of the leaves, and holidays!
The Summer was a memorable season for our team. We added new members to our team, and some were promoted; FYB2022/FYE2023 was closed, and the Board approved the FYB2023/FYE2024 operating budget, policies were revised and implemented, and more.
Further, the LaFayette Housing Authority (LHA) received the 2023 Newsletter of the Year Award (small category) during the 2023 AAHRA Conference! As always, I commend our team for their hard work and dedication during the last quarter.
As we enter the Fall season, our team is working diligently to prepare for the FYE2023 audit, install additional surveillance cameras, finalize plans to provide Wi-Fi in all units, and more.
As always, I want to thank the Board for entrusting me to continue to serve as the CEO of the LHA. 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 2023 LaFayette Leader 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 end the Summer season and start Fall, "Love the trees until their leaves fall off, then encourage them to try again next year." As always, "Please take care of yourself and each other."
Bountiful Blessings,
Sharon N. Tolbert, CEO
LaFayette Leader Fall 2023 - Commissioner's Corner
The LaFayette Housing Authority (LHA) 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 LaFayette. One member must be a resident of an LHA property or program.
The Commissioners are responsible for overseeing the fiscal management of the agency and approving policies.
Board meetings are held at noon on the third Wednesday 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 LHA!
Board of Commissioners
Barbara Leverett, Chairperson
Peggy King, Vice Chairperson
Mary Owens-Lyerly, Commissioner
Elton Holloway, Commissioner
Martha Holloway, Resident CommissionerLHA Board Meetings
Date: December 20th
Time: 12:30 pm (CST)
Location: LHA's Administrative Office
301 First Avenue, LaFayette, AL 36862The date, time, and location are subject to change.
Board Updates
During the last quarter, the Board approved the FYB2023/FYE2024 operating budget, policies were revised and implemented, and other action items were approved. Commissioner Leverett attended the AAHRA Conference in Sandestin, FL in August, and in October, she will be attending the 2023 NAHRO Conference in New Orleans.
Conference Updates
Staff and Commissioner Barbara Leverett (LHA) attended the 2023 Alabama Association of Housing and Redevelopment Authorities (AAHRA) Conference in Sandestin, FL, in August. Commissioner Leverett attended training sessions on the Commissioner's roles and responsibilities, state laws impacting PHAs, conducting effective meetings, PHA financials, and more. Staff participated in various training sessions, including but not limited to HUD reporting requirements, CFP, EPIC, and PHA Plans, CDBG/Section 108 funding, resident programs, asset repositioning, and more. The LaFayette Housing Authority (LHA) received the 2023 Newsletter of the Year Award (small category) during the 2023 AAHRA Conference! All conference attendees thoroughly enjoyed the Scholarship Dinner and Awards Banquet.
LaFayette Leader Fall 2023 - Human Resources
New Team Members
Tyrin Giddens
Maintenance Mechanic Asst - AHA (07.31.23)Tabitha Griffin
Executive Business Coordinator - AHA (08.28.23)Employee Spotlight: Sharon Tolbert, CEO
Sharon began her career with the Auburn Housing Authority (AHA) as the Accounting Manager on July 1, 1994, and later returned in July 2013 as the Chief Operating Officer. Upon Lee Eastman's retirement, she was named the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the AHA and its managed agencies (LaFayette and Roanoke Housing Authority) in January 2015.
Before returning to the AHA in 2013, Sharon worked for the City of Auburn for nearly sixteen years as the Director of Community Development, where she managed the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program. Sharon worked closely with the AHA on various CDBG-funded initiatives, including the Moton redevelopment and resident service programs. She continues to have a great working relationship with the City of Auburn's team.
The AHA has seen many positive changes under Sharon's leadership. She implemented several new initiatives, and AHA and its managed agencies have received numerous awards at the state, regional, and national levels.
Sharon serves on various Boards and Committees while overseeing the daily operations of AHA. To stay abreast of industry changes, she has completed several certification programs and attends training and professional development sessions regularly.
Sharon's passion and desire are to enhance affordable housing options for families that are in need of safe and decent housing. She promotes programs to achieve the mission of providing personal, economic, and social upward mobility to provide individuals and families the opportunity to make the transition from subsidized to non-subsidized housing.
Sharon celebrated 10 years of employment on July 11, 2023! We look forward to many more years under her leadership and guidance and to seeing her dreams realized.
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 Charlotte Bowen
HCV Caseworker II (TBV) 224
Tina Rodriguez Interim HCV Caseworker I 217 Rachel Harris Family Self-Sufficiency Coordinator 259
Multifamily Housing (MFH) Laura Squiers MFH Director 243 lsquiers@auburnhousingauth.org
Dominique Moore Property Management Supervisor 242
Greg Moore Regional Maintenance Manager
262
Jaquinta Pettus Cashier/Receptionist 217
Charlotte Mattox Resident Services Coordinator 230
Finance Wendy Cochran Chief Operating Officer 247 wcochran@auburnhousingauth.org
Richetta Stephens Interim Accountant 228 rstephens@auburnhousingauth.org
Sylvia Impson Purchasing Clerk 255
LaFayette Leader Fall 2023 - HR Continued
Office Closures
- Veteran's Day, Observed November 9th
- Thanksgiving, November 22nd - 23rd
- Christmas, December 25th
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
- Maintenance Mechanic (AHA)
- Maintenance Mechanic Assistant (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 (CIP)*
- Four-day work week (Monday - Thursday)
*The Board of Commissioners approved the CIP in May 2022. The CIP encourages employees to obtain and develop job-related knowledge and skills which enhance 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.
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. In addition to ACH payments, AHA will begin coordinating with vendors to start sending/receiving invoices electronically. 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.
LaFayette Leader Fall 2023 - HR & More
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. 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
LaFayette Leader Fall 2023 - Landlord Corner
New Online Owner/Agent Portal for HCV Landlords
As a part of the conversion to an online system, the Housing Choice Voucher Program is implementing an online portal for Owners and Agents participating in the HCV Program. Owners/Managing Agents will be able to register for an online account, allowing them to receive information related to their properties. The Owner/Agent will be able to view the following information once they have created their account:
- View Tenant Listing providing information related to tenant move-in date, HAP portion of rent, and Tenant portion of rent.
- View Owner Property Listings, which provide a complete listing of all properties the Owner/Agent has participating in the HCV Program.
- View Scheduled Inspections Listing showing all units for the Owner/Agent that are scheduled for inspection and the date the inspection is scheduled.
- View Passed Inspections Listing showing all units for the Owner/Agent that have passed inspection.
- View Failed/Incomplete Inspections Listing showing all units for the Owner/Agent that failed inspection or received an Incomplete Inspection status. The Owner/Agent will be able to download the inspection report providing detailed information related to the failed/incomplete inspection report.
- View the Check History for payments made to the Owner/Agent and retrieve detailed information related to each payment.
- View 1099's issued to the Owner/Agent for the most recent calendar year issuance and prior year 1099's.
In addition to viewing/accessing detailed property reports, the Owner/Agent will be able to upload documents through the secure online portal. Owners/Agents will be able to request rent changes, upload leases, submit RFTA documentation, and submit any required documents directly through the online portal.
The Owner/Agent portal is still in development, but AHA hopes to begin implementation of the portal in October 2023, with updates installed as completed. AHA will begin sending information to Owners/Agents as soon as the portal is available, make sure the HCV Department has a current email address on file.
If you would like to receive additional information related to the online conversion or the new Owner/Agent portal, you can contact the Housing Choice Voucher Department at (334) 821-2262, extension 217.
LaFayette Leader Fall 2023 - Landlords
Smoke Detectors
On July 1, 2023, OHDi will implement a companywide policy in accordance with meeting the INSPIRE requirements. INSPIRE will require a smoke detector in each sleeping area, outside each sleeping area, and on each level. The expected implementation date for INSPIRE is July 1, 2023, for public housing and October 1, 2023, for HCV and PBV.
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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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Auburn Housing Authority (AHA), the managing agency for LaFayette 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.
LaFayette Leader Fall 2023 - 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 Charlotte Bowen at 334-821-2262 ext. 224 or by e-mail at cbowen@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.
LaFayette Leader Fall 2023 - HCV Program 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.
Charlotte Bowen, HCV Caseworker II
Ph.: (334) 821-2262 ext. 224
Email: cbowen@auburnhousingauth.org
Rachel Harris, FSS Coordinator
Ph.: (334) 821-2262 ext. 259
Email: rharris@auburnhousingauth.org
Family Self-Sufficiency Program
As many of you continue to think about your goals for 2023, remember that it's not too late to achieve those goals. The FSS Program is here to help you succeed! The FSS Coordinator is so excited to work with you and help you set goals and overcome any obstacles you have in achieving your dreams.
The FSS Program is open to anyone receiving a voucher from AHA. Through the FSS Program, you will set goals, access community resources, create an escrow account (savings account), and receive encouragement and support from the coordinator! Maybe you have wanted to achieve more in life but haven't known where to start - now is the time to contact FSS Coordinator Rachel Harris through email at rharris@auburnhousingauth.org or by phone at (334) 821-2262 ext 259.
Emergency Housing Vouchers
AHA was awarded 44 Emergency Housing Vouchers (EHVs) funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) of 2021 (Public Law No: 117-2). EHVs provide rental assistance for individuals and families who meet one of the following criteria:
- Homeless, At the risk of homelessness, fleeing, 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.
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.
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 ARCH by calling 334-273-0668 and request to apply for an Emergency Housing Voucher Referral.
LaFayette Leader Fall 2023 - Resident Notice
The LaFayette Housing Authority's (LHA) mission is to provide safe, decent and affordable housing for families. The LHA's Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program is funded by the federal government and LHA must comply with the Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) regulations and LHA's internal policies and procedures. LHA 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.
HCV Notice
The Housing Choice Voucher Program is converting to an online system!
Auburn Housing Authority's Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program is converting to an online format for all applications and recertifications. All future applications and recertifications must be completed using the new online portal for HCV. The online portal will allow applicants and participants to enter their current information online and upload any documents needed directly through the portal. In addition, once HCV staff has completed processing the application or recertification, all required documents can be sent for signature and returned by email. The conversion to the online format will allow faster processing time and eliminate the need to schedule appointments for applicants or participants to meet with their case managers. We are attempting to streamline the online process to make things easier for our families and to provide the best service with quick response times.
Applicant Information: Once your application has been received and accepted by HCV, applicants will need to register for an online applicant account which will enable applicants to update their information and check their current status on the waiting list. To register for an online applicant account, applicants will access the online portal through the following links, depending on which Voucher Type the applicant applied for:
- Applicants for Tenant-Based Vouchers:
https://apps.auburnhousingauth.org/UserCreateAcct.aspx
- Applicants for Project-Based Vouchers located in Auburn: https://apps.auburnhousingauth.org/UserCreateAcct.aspx
- Applicants for Project-Based Vouchers located in LaFayette: https://lha.auburnhousingauth.org/UserCreateAcct.aspx
After accessing the online portal at the correct link above, select "APPLICANT" as the Registrant type and complete the requested information to create the online account. Once the online applicant account is created, applicants will need to make sure they update their contact information through the portal to ensure they are notified once their application is selected for processing. In addition, the online portal will enable applicants to securely upload all required documentation and forms.
If you or anyone in your family is a person with disabilities or requires a reasonable accommodation to fully utilize Auburn Housing Authority's programs and services, feel free to contact your assigned case manager, or you may contact the HCV Department at (334) 821-2262, extension 217.
LaFayette Leader Fall 2023 - Resident Information
Rent Payment
ALL locations stop taking rent at 4:30 p.m. on the last business day of each month.
Rental Insurance
Residents are encouraged to obtain rental insurance. Rental insurance helps to protect your belongings after a covered loss.
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.
Awards
2023 AAHRA Best Practices: Rebranding Initiative (State)
2023 AAHRA Newsletter of the Year (Small Category): LaFayette HA
2023 (2022 coverage) Housing Authority Insurance: Low Loss Ratio Award - Auburn HA (National)
2023 (2022 coverage) Housing Authority Insurance: Low Loss Ratio Award - LaFayette HA (National)
2023 NAHRO Administrative Innovation: Landlord Symposium (National)
2023 NAHRO Resident and Client Services: Operation CommUNITY (National)
Internet Service
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) Program provides a discount of up to $30 per month for broadband services for eligible consumers. Consumers who live on qualifying Tribal lands can receive enhanced support of up to $75 per month toward broadband services.
Additionally, the program provides a one-time device discount of up to $100 for a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet purchased through a participating provider. The one-time discount requires a consumer co-payment of more than $10 and less than $50.
Note: The Affordable Connectivity Program began accepting consumer applications and enrollments on December 31, 2021. To apply, visit affordableconnectivity.gov.
LaFayette Leader Fall 2023 - More Resident Corner
Policy Reminder
LHA 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, LHA has implemented weekly property assessments. As a result, LHA 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 LHA's office. LHA 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 LHA Property Manager Christina Williamson via phone at 334-864-8391 or by e-mail at cwilliamson@auburnhousingauth.org.
Exterior and Groundskeeping
LHA 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 LaFayette 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 LaFayette garbage pickup.
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 LHA 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. 262
For Police and Fire Emergencies, Dial 911
LaFayette Leader Fall 2023 - 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.
LaFayette Leader Fall 2023 - Drug/Crime Policy
The Board of Commissioners of the Housing Authority and Landlord in an effort to take a positive stand against the sale and use of illegal drugs and other crimes on Landlord or Housing property hereby adopts and endorses the following policy.
I. Any person, regardless of age, arrested on Housing Authority (HA) or Landlord's property for possession, use or sale of drugs or any unlawful act that threatens the peace and security of the Tenants, general public or HA staff, who is not listed as a family member on any lease of Landlords property will immediately be issued a letter of "No Trespassing."
II. Any person arrested on Landlord or Housing Authority property for possession, use or sale of drugs or any unlawful act that threatens the peace and security of the Tenants, general public or HA staff, who is listed as a family member on a lease of Landlord or Housing Authority owned property and who is under the age of 19 will immediately be sent a letter requiring the arrested family member and the entire family to come to the office for counseling in which the following will be required:
A. Head of house and all family members will be required to sign a statement acknowledging the counseling session and acknowledging that another occurrence of this problem may result in termination of the lease.
B. The arrested family member MUST agree to and MUST attend an HA approved counseling or rehabilitation program. HA will verify attendance and completion of the program.
C. Failure to agree or comply with Section II, A, B may result in immediate termination of the dwelling lease.
III. Any person arrested on Landlord or Housing Authority property for possession, use, or sale of drugs or any unlawful act that threatens the peace and security of the Tenants, general public, or HA staff, who is listed as a family member on a lease of Landlord or Housing Authority owned property and who is 19 years of age or older will immediately be sent a letter requiring the arrested member and lease holder(s) to come to the office for counseling in which the following will be required:
A. The lease holder(s) will be requested to in writing remove the arrested person from the lease and agree to allow the Landlord or HA to send the arrested person a letter of "No Trespassing."
B. If the conditions of the "No Trespassing" letter are violated, and it is determined that the remaining family members have contributed to the violation, the dwelling lease may be terminated.
C. Refusal of the Tenant to comply with Section III, A will result in termination of the dwelling lease.
IV. If the Head of house or spouse is arrested for possession, use, or sale of drugs the conditions in Section III, (A-C) will apply.
I acknowledge that I have received a copy of this policy.
LaFayette Leader Fall 2023 - Back Cover
LHA hosted a Back to School Event in August. Thirteen (13) students received school supplies, and others enjoyed snow cones and other fun activities. We want to thank RAB member Deborah Ray and residents Sally Little and Penny Godwin for volunteering at the event. Any student resident who was unable to attend the event may collect supplies at the LHA Administrative Office.
The LaFayette Housing Authority Project-Based Voucher (PBV) waitlist is open for all bedroom sizes!
To apply, click on the link https://lha.auburnhousingauth.
org/apply/applintro.aspx. If you have questions or require a reasonable accommodation, please contact Todd James, HCV Caseworker (PBV), at tjames@auburnhousingauth.org or (334) 821-2262 ext 267.