Roanoke Rising Spring 2024
Roanoke Rising Spring 2024 - Cover
Roanoke Rising Spring 2024 - CEO
Welcome to the Spring 2024 edition of the Roanoke Rising! Spring is in the air... The sun is shining brightly, flowers are in bloom, and we are enjoying extra sunlight in the evening, not to mention the cool breeze.
As we look forward to the Spring, let's look at what happened in the Winter. The Roanoke Housing Authority's (RHA) FYE2023 audit was finalized and submitted (no findings), new members were added to the team, and some were promoted, staff and commissioners attended the 2024 MLK Scholarship Breakfast, various resident service programs were offered, and more.
Our team is looking forward to the Spring. RHA hopes to implement the Phase 2 camera installation, the FYB2024 HUD Annual Plan, and the 5-Year Capital Fund Program Action Plan, which will be submitted, continue to fine-tune various electronic workflows, offer various resident services, and more.
As we start the Spring, let me leave you with this quote, "Flowers don't worry about how they're going to bloom. They just open up and turn toward the light, and that makes them beautiful".
As always, I want to thank the Board for entrusting me to continue to serve as the CEO of the 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 Spring 2024 Roanoke Rising edition to be a useful tool to communicate upcoming news, events, and more. For more information, please visit our website at www.auburnhousingauth.org and sign up for "News and More" to receive email and text notifications. Also, be sure to connect with us on social media!
As we end the Winter season and start Spring, make sure to slow down and smell the roses. As always, "Please take care of yourself and each other".
Bountiful Blessings,
Sharon N. Tolbert
Roanoke Rising Spring 2024 - Commissioners
Roanoke Housing Authority (RHA) is governed by a five-member Board of Commissioners, representing a cross-section of the community and appointed by the Mayor of the City of Roanoke. One member must be a resident of an RHA property or program. The Commissioners are responsible for overseeing the fiscal management of the agency and approving policies.
The board meetings are held at 5:30 pm on the 2nd Thursday in March, June, September and December. The meeting date is subject to change. Thank you to all Commissioners for your loyal and dedicated service to the RHA!
Board of Commissioners
Paula Lambert, Chairperson Scot Thomason, Vice Chairperson Sarah Nunn, Resident Commissioner Robert Alton Joiner, Commissioner Patrice Awbrey, Commissioner
BOARD UPDATES
The Board's next meeting will be held on April 10, 2024. The agenda will include financial reports, tenant write-offs, FYE2023 audit, FYB2024 HUD PHA Annual Plan, FYB2024 CFP, and other action items.
Upcoming Events
RHA Board Meeting
Date: June 13, September 12
Time: 5:30 pm (CST)
Location: RHA Administrative Office
201 Avenue A, Roanoke, AL.The date, time, and location are subject to change
Roanoke Rising Spring 2024 - HR & News
New Team Members:
Nick Busby
Maintenance Mechanic Assistant (LHA 1.17.24)Angel Long
Human Resources Manager (AHA 2.5.24)Jefferson Whaley
Maintenance Mechanic (RHA 2.19.24)
Promotions
Shannon Walters, Multi Family Housing Director (AHA 3.14.24)
Todd James, Interim HCV Manager (AHA 3.14.24)
Employee Birthdays
Beth Redding 1/6
Dominique Moore 2/3
Angel Long 3/9
Todd James 3/14
Mary Cameron 3/16
Employee Spotlight
Kelvin has been employed with
the Auburn Housing Authority
since September 2014. Kelvin
currently serves as the
Maintenance Mechanic.
Kelvin is instrumental in
providing routine and general
maintenance for the LaFayette
Housing Authority and he also
responds to work orders from the
Authority staff members. Kelvin
thank you for choosing the
Auburn Housing Authority as
your employer.We are glad you are here!
Staff Directory
Tabitha Griffin Executive Business Coordinator 210 Angel Long Human Resources Manager 237
Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Wendy Cochran Chief Operating Officer 247 wcochran@auburnhousingauth.org
Todd James Interim HCV Manager 221
Mary Cameron
HCV Caseworker III (TBV) 224 mcameron@auburnhousingauth.org
Rachel Harris Family Self-Sufficiency Coordinator 259
Multifamily Housing (MFH) Shannon Walters MFH Director 243 swalters@auburnhousingauth.org
Dominique Moore Regional Property Manager 242
Greg Moore Regional Maintenance Manager
262
Jaquinta Pettus Property Manager 212
Charlotte Mattox Resident Services Coordinator 230
Finance Richetta Stephens Accountant 228 rstephens@auburnhousingauth.org
Sylvia Impson Purchasing/Inventory Clerk 255
RHA
Office
Beth Redding
Property Manager 334-869-8863
Roanoke Rising Spring 2024 - HR & News Continued
Closed for Holidays
The AHA's office is closed on Fridays. Observed holidays that fall on Friday or Saturday will be observed on the preceding Thursday. Observed holidays that fall on Sunday will be observed on the following Monday.
Memorial Day - May 27th
Juneteenth - June 19th
CURRENT OPENINGS:
- Regional Modernization Manager
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS:
- BCBS medical benefits
- BCBS dental benefits
- Group life insurance
- State retirement
- Supplemental Insurance
- Annual leave
- Sick leave
- Paid holidays
- Career Incentive Program
- Four-day work week (Monday - Thursday)
Learn about future openings by visiting our Careers page at
www.auburnhousingauth.org.
FINANCE/ACCOUNTS PAYABLE - In an effort to increase efficiency and reduce processing time, AHA is converting to an online system for all finance department programs. A part of the conversion implementation includes processing Accounts Payable payments through ACH transfers. AHA will begin notifying vendors about the upcoming conversion and provide additional information on how vendors can begin receiving their payments through ACH instead of paper checks. If you are a current vendor with AHA and would like to begin receiving payments for invoices by ACH Transfer, email Richetta Stephens, AHA Accountant, at rstephens@auburnhousingauth.org to request a Vendor Direct Deposit Sign-Up Form. Complete the Direct Deposit Sign-Up Form and return it to the Finance Department and we can set you up for ACH payment.
In addition to ACH payments, AHA will begin coordinating with vendors to start sending/receiving invoices electronically. If you are a current vendor with AHA and would like to submit your invoices electronically instead of mailing a paper copy, you can email the invoice to accountspayable@auburnhousingauth.org. The AHA Accountant monitors the email account for receipt of submitted invoices and forwards the invoices for approval and processing. Electronic submission of invoices reduces processing time by eliminating delays caused by mailing paper copies through the US Postal Service. Future implementation plans include the creation of a vendor portal allowing vendors to submit invoices, check on payment status, and download 1099s. If you are a current vendor partnering with AHA and would like more information related to ACH payments or electronic transmission of invoices, you can contact the Finance Department for more information. Richetta Stephens, AHA Accountant, can provide additional information and can be reached at (334) 821-2262, Extension 228, or by email at rstephens@auburnhousingauth.org.
PROCUREMENT- To accomplish our mission of providing affordable
housing, it is imperative that AHA works with vendors and contractors
who can deliver the highest quality of goods and services at the best
value. In order to maximize its contracting dollars, AHA looks for as much competition as the open market will provide. We are always looking for new qualified vendors.AHA is currently processing bids for roofing services for the Auburn and Roanoke sites. In addition, AHA is preparing a bid for FSS Coordinator Services to procure services to administer the Family Self-Sufficiency Program for Auburn Housing Authority. Expiring contracts expected to be procured in the next few months include competitive procurements for Fee Accounting Services, Auditing Services, and Lawn Maintenance at all AHA Sites.
Future procurements for AHA may include services for plumbing, tree
removal, and establishing a pool of vendors to supply maintenance
materials when needed. Make sure that you register under the eprocurement 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- 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 eProcurement 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:1. Access ha.economicengine.com (no "www").
2. Click on the "login" button on the upper left side (for registered users) or
3. Click the "Sign up as a Vendor" button on the lower left side (for nonregistered users).
4. Follow the listed directions.
If you have any problems accessing or registering on the Marketplace, please contact customer support at (866) 526-9266.
Roanoke Rising Spring 2024 - HCV Programs
TENANT BASED VOUCHER (TBV)
Auburn Housing Authority's (AHA) Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Tenant Based Voucher (TBV) Program allows low-income families to rent quality housing in the private market via federal funds provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Through the HCV Program, AHA pays a portion of eligible families' rent each month directly to the property owner. Families can use their vouchers to rent a house or apartment in the private market throughout Lee County, with the exception of the city limits of Opelika, AL.
Because there are more families who need rental assistance than there are funds available, AHA uses a waiting list to administer the program to eligible families.
Applicant families must meet the following eligibility requirements to qualify for the HCV Program:
• Meet HUD's definition of family
• Meet income limits specified by HUD
• Qualify on the basis of citizenship or eligible immigrant status
• Provide Social Security number
• Sign required consent forms
• Pass screening processCurrently, AHA's tenant-based voucher waiting list is closed. AHA will provide notice through a variety of media outlets when it reopens.
To learn more contact Mary Cameron at 334-821-2262 ext. 224 or by e-mail at mcameron@auburnhousingauth.org.
PROJECT-BASED VOUCHERS (PBV)
PBV is similar to TBV. However, the differences between the two are that PBV assistance is tied to the unit, and once HCV determines eligibility, the applicant is referred to the PBV landlord to determine if the applicant is suitable for tenancy. The waitlist is currently open for bedroom sizes 3-5.
VETERANS AFFAIRS SUPPORTIVE HOUSING (VASH)
The VASH program combines HUD's Housing Choice Voucher rental assistance for homeless Veterans with case management and clinical services provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). VA provides these services for participating Veterans at VA medical centers (VAMCs), community-based outreach clinics (CBOCs), through VA contractors, or through other VA designated entities. If you are a Veteran and wish to utilize the VASH voucher, please contact the Central Alabama Health Care System (CAVHCS) at 334-727-0550 or 800-214-8387.
MAINSTREAM VOUCHERS
Mainstream Vouchers assist households that include a nonelderly
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, 2024, and accept the first 200 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 who is about to age out of foster care and wish to utilize the FYI voucher, please contact the Alabama Department of Human Resources at (334) 242-1310.
Roanoke Rising Spring 2024 - Resident Corner
The Roanoke Housing Authority's (RHA) mission is to provide safe, decent, and affordable housing for families. RHA must comply with the Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) regulations and RHA's internal policies and procedures. RHA 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 public housing dwelling lease.
d. Comply with all written requests 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 public housing assistance, please contact Beth Redding, Property Manager (334) 863-4513.
Smoking is NOT permitted inside the unit. See the Smoke-Free Policy that's included as an addendum to your lease for more information.
ALL locations stop taking rent at 4:30 p.m. on the last business day of each month. Residents are encouraged to obtain rental insurance. Rental insurance helps to protect your belongings after a covered loss.
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.
Roanoke Rising Spring 2024 - Resident Corner Continued
16-24-YEAR-OLDS WHO WANT ASSISTANCE WITH CAREER & EDUCATION GOAL
We are eager to help you move forward in your life with excellent training resources and tools to accomplish your goals with support.
ALL SERVICES ARE FREE
GED Prep
Technical Training
Employment Readiness
Career Exploration
Post-Secondary Prep
Job Shadowing
Life & Leadership Skills
ASVAB Support-Military
Work-Based Learning
Financial Literacy
Job Assistance
Skills Gains
Earn Cash Incentives While Training
The program is for young adults needing to complete an H.S. Diploma (G.E.D.).
Additional eligibility requirements for H.S. graduates.
Call Amanda Dingler at the numbers below or scan the QR Code to inquire today!
Policy Reminder
RHA is committed to providing all residents with safe, decent, and sanitary housing and ensuring that all residents have the right to peaceful enjoyment of their apartment. As a part of this commitment, RHA has implemented weekly property assessments. As a result, RHA requests residents' assistance in addressing frequent issues observed. (Please note that all residents agree to abide by this policy upon signing a lease, failure to do so can lead to fines and eviction.)
1. No parking on or driving across the grass is permitted at any time.
2. Before bringing a pet and/or service animal home, you must contact RHA's office. RHA has no pet visitation policy.
3. All smoke detectors inside the home must be operable. Residents should contact the office to request batteries for all beeping smoke detectors. Smoke detectors should not be tampered with, removed, disconnected, or covered.
Contact RHA Property Manager Beth Redding via phone at 334-869-8863 or e-mail at redding@auburnhousingauth.org.
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.
DRUG/CRIME EVICTION 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 Landlord's 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 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.
We Do Business In Accordance With the Federal Fair Housing Law
Revision Schedule: Exhibit A
POLICY ALERT - COLLECTION POLICY (Excerpt)
I. RENT DUE DATE: Rent and service fees are due on the first (1st) of each month. No partial payments will be accepted on or after the rent due date.
II. LATE FEE CHARGED: If rent and service fees are not received by 5:00 p.m. on the sixth (6th) of the month, a "late fee" in accordance with the Board approved posted current late fee charge will be added to your account.
III. Residents who fail to pay their rent or make arrangements to resolve balances by 5:00 p.m. on the sixth (6th) will be sent a "LEASE TERMINATION NOTICE."
IV. Residents requesting a hardship must request the hardship prior to being considered late. Hardships will not be granted on requests made after the last day to pay on time unless a verifiable emergency exists.
V. Residents who are still residing in the apartment after the lease termination notice has expired will be issued eviction papers.
VI. If a resident moves out of a dwelling unit owing the Housing Authority for back rent, repairs, and/or other expenses, he or she should arrange for the debt to be paid or face possible court action.
VII. Residents who are late with their rent (have not paid rent on or before the 6th of the month), 3 times in a calendar year will receive a "LEASE TERMINATION NOTICE": Non-Curable.
Roanoke Rising Spring 2024 - Maintenance
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.
For the safety of our residents and maintenance staff, effective immediately, residents will not be allowed in the vicinity of our maintenance staff while they are performing maintenance repairs inside of RHA units. Residents will be required to go into another room until all maintenance issues have been addressed.
An emergency work order will be completed within twenty-four (24) hours. If a situation is determined to not be an emergency, the resident will be informed that the request will be considered as "any other resident work order request". Normal work orders will be resolved within 3 business days. Emergency Work Orders are when the situation constitutes a serious threat to the life, safety, or health of resident(s) or staff; or the situation will cause serious damage to the property, property structure, or systems if not repaired within twenty-four (24) hours.
Examples of a work order emergency are:
-Broken exterior door lock
-Fire
-Loss of power - mechanical failure
-Broken water line
-Loose or falling ceiling
-No Heat (when the outside temperature is less than 35 degrees)
Please call to request a work order:
Greg Moore
Regional Maintenance Manager
Phone: (334) 821-2262 ext. 262
For Police and Fire Emergencies dial 911
Roanoke Rising Spring 2024 - Memorial Tribute
The Auburn Housing Authority (AHA) family mourns the loss of our beloved employee, Laura Squires. Laura was a dedicated and valuable employee of the AHA for 16 years. Since 2008, Laura has worked in various roles in the Housing Choice Voucher and Multifamily Housing Departments. In her most recent role as Multifamily Housing Director, Laura directed the day-to-day operations of the Property Management, Maintenance, and Resident Services Divisions for AHA, LHA, and RHA.
We would like to take a moment to thank Laura for her longstanding support and unwavering dedication to the AHA.
Laura, we will miss you.