LaFayette Leader Fall 2025
LaFayette Leader Fall 2025 - Newsletter Cover and Viewing Link
The Fall 2025 edition of the LaFayette Leader is here! This issue features updates from the LaFayette Housing Authority, including recent improvements, upcoming events, staff highlights, and important information for residents and partners. Learn how we're continuing to invest in our communities and create new opportunities for families. Read the full newsletter at the link below.
LaFayette Leader Fall 2025 - Text Only Version
LaFayette Leader Fall 2025
FROM THE CEO, SHARON N. TOLBERT
Welcome to the Fall 2025 edition of the LaFayette Leader! 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 LaFayette Housing Authority (LHA) completed its Phase 2 camera installations. The Board of Commissioners approved the FYB2025 budget, and HUD approved the Auburn Housing Authority's (AHA) FYB2025 Annual PHA Plan and MTW Supplement, which benefits LHA residents.
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, we held our Annual Employee Meeting to review FY2024 accomplishments and set goals and objectives for FY2025.
The fall season promises to be as busy as summer. Our team is diligently preparing for the FYB2024 audit and implementing various goals and objectives. LHA is looking forward to hosting various holiday events. The Thanksgiving Farmers Market will be held on November 12, and various Christmas events will be held in December.
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 LaFayette Leader edition to be a valuable resource for staying informed about 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
The Board approved the FYB2025 Budget, 2025 OCAF, Tenant write-off, FYE 2025 Performance Award and other action items.
Commissioners Barbara Leverett, Marguerite White (Auburn HA) and Deborah Hand (Auburn HA) attended the 2025 SERC-NAHRO Annual Conference in Atlanta, GA, in June 2025. The Commissioners also attended the 2025 AAHRA Annual Conference in Perdido Beach, AL, in September 2025. All attended various sessions and other events.
Thank you, Commissioners, for taking time out of your busy schedule to attend the conference.
LHA Board Meeting
Date: December 17, 2025
Time: 12:30 p.m. (CST)
Location: LHA Administrative Office
301 First Avenue, LaFayette, AL 36862
Special Meeting will be held for time-sensitive action items. The date, time, and location are subject to change.
LaFayette Housing Authority 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!
Barbara Leverett, Chairperson
Peggy King, Vice Chairperson
Mary Owens-Lyerly, Commissioner
Elton Holloway, Commissioner
Martha Holloway, Resident Commissioner
Human Resources & News
AHA HR, led by Angel Long, joined the Goodwill Career Center Hiring Event on September 4 to share job opportunities and benefits with job seekers.
Kudos to Todd James for his excellent work adding this beautiful new home to the HCV program, meeting with landlords, and photographing prospective properties.
Shout out to the Maintenance team for their hard work cleaning up the covered shop area, making it more organized and efficient for storage.
Jefferson Whaley is doing an amazing job at Roanoke Housing, striping parking lots at Avenue A and Seymour, trimming shrubs, and clearing overgrown bushes to keep the site looking fantastic.
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 (August 28)
Kelvin Whitlow - 11 years (September 23)
Christina Williamson - 4 years (September 30)Birthdays
Wendy Cochran - August 4
Justin Rowell - August 17
Christina Williamson - August 19
Rachel Harris - September 12
Anthony Askew - September 21
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 includes processing Accounts Payable payments through ACH transfers.
Vendors interested in receiving payments electronically can contact Richetta Stephens, AHA Accountant, at rstephens@auburnhousingauth.org for a Vendor Direct Deposit Sign-Up Form. Completed forms should be returned to the Finance Department.
AHA will also begin accepting invoices electronically at accountspayable@auburnhousingauth.org to reduce delays caused by mailing. Future plans include a vendor portal allowing vendors to submit invoices, check payment status, and download 1099s.
For more information, contact Richetta Stephens at (334) 821-2262, Ext. 228 or rstephens@auburnhousingauth.org.
Procurement
AHA seeks qualified vendors to provide the highest quality of goods and services at the best value. Current bids include roofing services for Auburn and Roanoke, FSS Coordinator Services, Fee Accounting, Auditing, and Lawn Maintenance.
To register as a vendor, visit www.auburnhousingauth.org/procurement or https://ha.internationaleprocurement.com/requests.html?company_id=49059. Contact customer support at (866) 526-9266 if you experience access issues.
Current Openings
Maintenance Mechanic (AHA)
Property Manager (LHA)
Maintenance Mechanic (LHA)
Regional Modernization Coordinator
Employee Benefits:
BCBS Medical & Dental, Group Life Insurance, State Retirement, Supplemental Insurance, Annual & Sick Leave, Paid Holidays, Career Incentive Program, Four-Day Work Week (Monday-Thursday).
Learn more at www.auburnhousingauth.org/careers.
Landlord Corner
Auburn Housing Authority, managing agency for LaFayette Housing Authority, thanks all landlords for providing housing opportunities through the Tenant-Based Voucher Program.
Reminders:
Report address or ownership changes in writing.
Participants must report income and household changes within 10 days.
Submit new leases before signing at renewal.
Contact the HCV Program Office at (334) 821-2262 ext. 217 for questions.
Landlord Incentives:
New Landlord Signing Bonus - up to $500
New Landlord Referral Bonus - up to $500
Vacancy Payments - up to one month's rent
Damage Claim Payments - up to one month's rent
Contact Mary Cameron (mcameron@auburnhousingauth.org) or Todd James (tjames@auburnhousingauth.org) for details.
New Landlord Portal:
Landlords can now access inspection results, payment history, 1099s, and submit documents securely online. Visit auburnhousingauth.org/landlord-portal.
HCV Programs
Tenant-Based Vouchers (TBV)
Provides rental assistance to low-income families in Lee County. The waiting list is currently closed. Contact Mary Cameron at 334-821-2262 ext. 224 or mcameron@auburnhousingauth.org for updates.Project-Based Vouchers (PBV)
Tied to specific units. Waitlist open for 3-5 bedrooms.Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH)
For homeless veterans. Contact the Central Alabama Health Care System at 334-727-0550.Foster Youth to Independence (FYI)
For youth aging out of foster care. Contact the Alabama Department of Human Resources at (334) 242-1310.Mainstream Vouchers
Assist non-elderly persons with disabilities. Currently closed.Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS)
Now partnered with Revision Counseling Center to provide free counseling services, including telehealth. Contact Rachel Harris at rharris@auburnhousingauth.org or 334-728-4690.Homeownership Program
Allows HCV families to use vouchers toward buying a home. Contact Mary Cameron at mcameron@auburnhousingauth.org.Emergency Housing Voucher (EHV)
Expected to operate through 2026 due to funding limits. For questions, contact (334) 821-2262 ext. 221 or cbowen@auburnhousingauth.org.
Annual Employee Meeting
AHA gathered for its Annual Employee Meeting to celebrate accomplishments and plan for future goals. Every employee plays a vital role in empowering residents and strengthening communities.
Where Are They Now: Bri'Asia Kelley
Former AHA Scholarship recipient and University of Alabama graduate (Class of 2024) Bri'Asia Kelley is now a Multimedia Journalist at WPGA Macon News in Georgia. Congratulations, Bri'Asia!
Partner Appreciation Luncheon
Held July 10 at Youth for Christ, AHA's first Partner Appreciation Luncheon celebrated organizations that support residents through resources, events, and partnerships. Thank you to all partners and to Youth for Christ for hosting!
Resident Corner
Rent payments are accepted until 4:30 p.m. on the last business day of the month.
Residents are encouraged to obtain renter's insurance.
Smoking is not permitted inside units.
For HCV questions, call (334) 821-2262, option 5.Thanksgiving Farmers Market
November 12 - Residents 2-3 PM and Public 3-4 PM
LHA Administrative OfficeFree Wi-Fi in All LHA Units
Contact Dominique Moore at dmoore@auburnhousingauth.org or 334.821.2262 ext. 242.Cooking Tips & Fire Safety
Avoid cooking when drowsy
Stay in the kitchen
Keep flammable items away
Use lids to smother small grease fires
HCV Policy Reminders
The HCV Program is converting to an online format for applications and recertifications. Applicants can register at:
Tenant-Based: https://apps.auburnhousingauth.org/UserCreateAcct.aspx
Project-Based (LaFayette): https://lha.auburnhousingauth.org/UserCreateAcct.aspx
Contact the HCV Department at (334) 821-2262 ext. 217 for assistance.
Compliance Cameras Phase 2 Complete
Enhanced coverage and upgraded technology are now in place. For questions, contact Dominique Moore at dmoore@auburnhousingauth.org or 334.821.2262 ext. 242.
Drug/Crime Eviction Policy
LHA enforces a zero-tolerance policy for drug use and criminal activity. Offenders or their family members may face lease termination or no-trespassing orders.
Policy Alert - Collection Policy (Excerpt)
Rent is due on the 1st of each month. Late fees apply after the 6th.
No partial payments after the due date.
Eviction proceedings may begin after termination notices expire.
Hardship requests must be made before becoming late.
Exterior and Groundskeeping
Residents must:
Use city-issued garbage carts properly.
Store carts behind units.
Supervise children and guests.
Keep roofs and porches free of clutter.
Avoid inoperable vehicles.
Store toys properly.
Place bulk trash out no earlier than one day before pickup.
Work Orders
Residents must stay clear of maintenance areas during repairs.
Emergency work orders (life/safety threats) are resolved within 24 hours. Non-emergencies within 3 business days.Examples include:
Broken exterior door locks
Fire
Power loss
Water line breaks
No heat (below 35°F)
Contact Kelvin Whitlow, Regional Maintenance Technician, at (334) 821-2262 ext. 262.
Emergencies: Call 911.
Project-Based Voucher Waiting List
Opened February 11, 2025, for 0-2 bedroom units. Apply at auburnhousingauth.org under "Apply Online."
Eligibility determined upon selection from the waiting list.
If you have questions or require a reasonable accommodation to fully utilize AHA's programs, contact (334) 821-2262 Ext. 217 or tjames@auburnhousingauth.org.
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