Auburn Forward Fall 2025

Auburn Forward Fall 2025 - Newsletter Cover and Viewing Link

Catch up on the latest from the Auburn Housing Authority, including community highlights, resident spotlights, board updates, and exciting fall events like our upcoming Fall Festival and Farmers' Markets. This issue also features program news, staff recognitions, and important policy reminders to keep you informed. Stay connected, celebrate our progress, and see what's ahead for AHA this season!

Read the full Auburn Forward Fall 2025 Newsletter

Auburn Forward Fall 2025 - Text Only Version

Auburn Forward - Fall Edition 2025

FROM THE CEO - SHARON N. TOLBERT

Welcome to the Fall 2025 edition of the Auburn Forward!

As the leaves begin to change and cooler weather arrives, we welcome the fall season with renewed energy and gratitude. Fall is a time of transition and reflection - a perfect chance to look back on all we've achieved together and to anticipate the exciting months ahead.

During the summer, the Auburn Housing Authority (AHA) hosted a Partner Appreciation Luncheon and implemented the unit modernization program. Phase 2 camera installations were completed at LaFayette and Roanoke HA, and the mapping for AHA was finalized. The Board of Commissioners approved the FYB2025 budget, and HUD approved the FYB2025 Annual PHA Plan and MTW Supplement.

Thank you to the maintenance team for their perseverance and hard work throughout a very warm summer. Our team improved its completion rates for work orders, unit turns, inspections, and preventive maintenance.

To wrap up the summer, AHA held its Annual Employee Meeting to review FYB2024 accomplishments and set goals and objectives for FYB2025.

The fall season promises to be as busy as summer. Our team is diligently preparing for the FYB2024 audit. AHA is excited to host its Fall Festival on October 16, along with Farmers' Markets for Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Looking ahead, we remain dedicated to investing in property improvements, supporting resident well-being, and building partnerships that create more opportunities for our families. I encourage you to stay involved, share your ideas, and contact our team with any questions or suggestions.

Thank you for being an essential part of our community. Wishing you and your families a safe and enjoyable fall season. "Please take care of yourself and each other."

I hope that you find the Fall 2025 Auburn Forward edition to be a valuable 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!

Bountiful Blessings,
Sharon N. Tolbert
Management Agent for LaFayette & Roanoke Housing Authority
Auburn Housing Authority Affiliates: AHA Development LLC & Auburn Community Development Corp.

BOARD UPDATES

During the previous quarter (July - September 2025), the Board approved the AHA Development LLC 2025 OCAF, 2025 CDBG Grant, 2026 LIHTC Application, AHA Development LLC Tenant Write-Offs, FYB2024 EOY Report, and other action items.

Commissioners Marguerite White, Deborah Hand, and Barbara Leverett (LaFayette HA) attended the 2025 SERC-NAHRO Annual Conference in Atlanta, GA, in June 2025. They also attended the 2025 AAHRA Annual Conference in Perdido Beach, AL, in September 2025.

AHA Board Meeting Dates:

October 28

November 25

December 30
Time: 12:00 pm (CST)
Location: Auburn Housing Authority, 931 Booker Street, Auburn, AL

AHA is governed by a five-member Board of Commissioners, representing a cross-section of the community and appointed by the Mayor of Auburn. One member must be a resident of an AHA property or program.

Board Members:
Robert Smith - Chairperson
Nolan Torbert, Sr. - Vice Chairperson
Rene Waldrop - Commissioner
Marguerite White - Commissioner
Deborah Hand - Resident Commissioner

AUBURN COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION

BOARD UPDATES
ACDC thanks the City of Auburn for continued financial support of the Food Pantry.

During July - September 2025, 10 households were provided food during special outreach events, distributing 228 pounds of food.

The City of Auburn awarded $6,000 (CDBG PY2025 grant), and Trustmark Bank granted $1,000 to replenish inventory.

ACDC Board Meeting Dates:

October 28

November 25

December 30
Time: 1:00 pm (CST)
Location: Auburn Housing Authority, 931 Booker Street, Auburn, AL

Board Members:
Sharon Tolbert - President
Marguerite White - Vice President
Nolan Torbert - Secretary/Treasurer
Robert Smith - Director
Rene Waldrop - Director
Deborah Hand - Director

Mission: "Empowering individuals and families by expanding affordable housing and economic opportunities in an effort to build vibrant neighborhoods and communities."

RECOGNITIONS

Kudos to Todd James for adding a new home to the HCV program and photographing properties.

Shout out to the Maintenance Team for cleaning and organizing the shop area.

Jefferson Whaley at Roanoke Housing has done great work striping lots and trimming shrubs.

Work Anniversaries

Wendy Cochran - 10 years (July 1)

Beth Redding - 13 years (July 2)

Sharon Tolbert - 12 years (July 11)

Sylvia Impson - 9 years (July 14)

Richetta Stephens - 6 years (July 15)

Tabitha Griffin - 2 years (Aug 28)

Kelvin Whitlow - 11 years (Sept 23)

Christina Williamson - 4 years (Sept 30)

Birthdays
Wendy Cochran - Aug 4
Justin Rowell - Aug 17
Christina Williamson - Aug 19
Rachel Harris - Sept 12
Anthony Askew - Sept 21

HUMAN RESOURCES & NEWS

AHA HR, led by Angel Long, joined the Goodwill Career Center Hiring Event on Sept 4 to share job opportunities.

Finance/Accounts Payable
AHA is transitioning to an online system with ACH payments for vendors. Vendors can email invoices to accountspayable@auburnhousingauth.org or contact Richetta Stephens at rstephens@auburnhousingauth.org.

Procurement
AHA seeks vendors for roofing, FSS Coordinator Services, Fee Accounting, Auditing, and Lawn Maintenance. Learn more at www.auburnhousingauth.org/procurement.

E-Procurement
Register at https://ha.internationaleprocurement.com/requests.html?company_id=49059 to receive notifications for bids.

Current Openings:

Maintenance Mechanic (AHA)

Property Manager (LHA)

Maintenance Mechanic (LHA)

Regional Modernization Coordinator

Benefits include:
BCBS health/dental, state retirement, life insurance, supplemental plans, annual/sick leave, paid holidays, four-day workweek.

Visit www.auburnhousingauth.org/careers.

RESIDENT SPOTLIGHT - MIKIELA PUGH

Mikiela Pugh lives independently, works at the Graduate Hotel, and inspires everyone around her with positivity and strength.

Resident Advisory Board Members:
Marquitta Floyd, Ashley Nearer, Darlene Durr, Janice Hutchinson.

Representatives needed for Ridgecrest, Drake, and TBV communities. Contact Christina Williamson at cwilliamson@auburnhousingauth.org.

COMMUNITY UPDATES

Free Wi-Fi in All AHA Communities
Residents can call Spectrum's Bulk Sales Department to activate. Contact Dominique Moore at dmoore@auburnhousingauth.org.

Back to School Bash
A huge success, supporting 87 families with school supplies. Thanks to Auburn Public Safety - Police & Fire.

Calling All AHA Youth Ballers!
Join the SERC NAHRO MLK Basketball Tournament (January 2026, Bessemer, AL). Contact Christina Williamson at cwilliamson@auburnhousingauth.org.

Landlord Appreciation
AHA thanks all landlords for their partnership.

HOUSING CHOICE VOUCHER (HCV) PROGRAMS

Tenant-Based Vouchers (TBV): Waiting list currently closed. Contact Mary Cameron at mcameron@auburnhousingauth.org.

Project-Based Vouchers (PBV): Open for 3-5 bedrooms.

Homeownership Program: Helps TBV participants purchase homes. Contact Mary Cameron or Rachel Harris.

Foster Youth to Independence Initiative (FYI): For youth aging out of foster care.

Mainstream Vouchers: For households with a nonelderly person with a disability.

VASH: For veterans with VA case management.

FAMILY SELF-SUFFICIENCY (FSS) PROGRAM

FSS participants can now access free counseling through the Revision Counseling Center.
Contact Rachel Harris at rharris@auburnhousingauth.org or 334-728-4690.

EMPLOYEE MEETING & PARTNER APPRECIATION

AHA celebrated its Annual Employee Meeting, reflecting on successes and goals for the coming year.
The Partner Appreciation Luncheon honored community partners and collaborators.

COMMUNITY EVENTS

Bookmobile at Boykin Center - July visit with games and books.

Mentoring Moms - My Plate for My Family - Cooking lessons with Gina Nimmo.

Marvelous Monday - Medicare info session with Tori Levi (VIVA Health).

National Night Out 2025 - Community safety event with Auburn Public Safety.

Visit our website gallery to view images.

RESIDENT CORNER

Residents are reminded to:

Complete annual recertifications

Report income and household changes

Follow lease terms

Meet deadlines for documents

Smoking is not permitted inside units. Rent is due by 4:30 p.m. on the last business day each month.

UPCOMING EVENTS

AHA Fall Festival: October 16, 4-6 PM - Ridgecrest Community

Thanksgiving Farmers Market: November 13, 2-4 PM - Ridgecrest

Christmas Farmers Market: December 16, 2-4 PM - Ridgecrest

POLICY REMINDERS

AHA is converting to an online portal for applications and recertifications. Links available at apps.auburnhousingauth.org.

Contact Dominique Moore at dmoore@auburnhousingauth.org for housing-related concerns.

Drug/Crime Eviction Policy:
Immediate action for drug or criminal activity on HA property.

Collection Policy (Excerpt):

Rent due on the 1st; late fee after 5 PM on the 6th.

Lease termination notices for unpaid rent.

Hardship requests must be made before the due date.

Groundskeeping Policy:
Maintain clean premises, no parking on grass, store garbage carts properly, and keep property clutter-free.

Maintenance:
Emergency work orders resolved within 24 hours; non-emergency within 3 business days.
Contact Kelvin Whitlow, Regional Maintenance Technician, (334) 821-2262 ext. 262.

Event Reminder:
Boots on the Ground Fall Festival - October 16, 4-6 PM, Ridgecrest Community (931 Booker St., Auburn, AL)
Free & Open to the Public - Live DJ, food, games, bounce house, community resources.

Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/AuburnHousing

Visit our website for more information - www.auburnhousingauth.org