Roanoke Rising Fall 2025
Roanoke Rising Fall 2025 - Newsletter Cover and Viewing Link
The Fall 2025 edition of the Roanoke Rising is here! This issue features updates from the Roanoke 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.
Roanoke Rising Fall 2025 - Text Only Version
Roanoke Rising - Fall 2025
FROM THE CEO, SHARON N. TOLBERT
Welcome to the Fall 2025 edition of the Roanoke Rising! 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 Roanoke Housing Authority (RHA) completed its Phase 2 camera installations. The Board of Commissioners approved the FYB2025 budget and tenant write-offs, and the FYB2025 Annual PHA Plan and Five-Year Capital Fund Program Plan were submitted to HUD.
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 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 and implementing various goals and objectives. RHA 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 Roanoke Rising edition to be a valuable resource for communicating 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 Tenant Write-Offs, FYB2025 Budget, FYE 2025 Performance Award, and other action items.
RHA Board Meeting
Date: December 10, 2025
Time: 5:30 p.m. (CST)
Location: RHA Administrative Office, 231 Avenue A, Roanoke, ALSpecial Meetings will be held for time-sensitive action items. The date, time, and location are subject to change.
ROANOKE HOUSING AUTHORITY COMMISSIONER'S CORNER
The 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 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.
Board meetings are held at 5:30 p.m. on the second Thursday in March, June, September, and December. Dates are subject to change.
Commissioners:
Paula Lambert, Chairperson
Scot Thomason, Vice Chairperson
Robert Alton Joiner, Commissioner
Patrice Awbrey, Commissioner
Sarah Nunn, Resident CommissionerThank you to all Commissioners for your loyal and dedicated service to the RHA!
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 a 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 continues to do an outstanding job maintaining Roanoke Housing sites - striping parking lots, trimming shrubs, and clearing overgrown bushes to keep the property looking great.
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 / PROCUREMENT
Finance / Accounts Payable
AHA is transitioning to an online payment system. Vendors can now receive payments through ACH transfers and submit invoices electronically to accountspayable@auburnhousingauth.org.
Contact Richetta Stephens at rstephens@auburnhousingauth.org or (334) 821-2262 ext. 228 for more details.Procurement
AHA is seeking qualified vendors for ongoing and upcoming bids, including roofing, auditing, and lawn maintenance services.
To register as a vendor, visit www.auburnhousingauth.org/procurement or https://ha.internationaleprocurement.com/requests.html?company_id=49059.Current Openings:
Maintenance Mechanic (AHA)
Property Manager (LHA)
Maintenance Mechanic (LHA)
Regional Modernization Coordinator
Employee benefits include medical and dental coverage, life insurance, state retirement, paid leave, and a four-day work week. Learn more at www.auburnhousingauth.org/careers.
HCV PROGRAMS - AUBURN HOUSING AUTHORITY
Tenant-Based Vouchers (TBV)
Assists low-income families in renting quality housing in Lee County. The waiting list is currently closed.
Contact Mary Cameron at 334-821-2262 ext. 224 or mcameron@auburnhousingauth.org.Project-Based Vouchers (PBV)
Assistance is tied to specific units. The waitlist is open for 3-5 bedroom units.Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH)
For homeless veterans. Contact Central Alabama Health Care System at 334-727-0550.Foster Youth to Independence (FYI)
Provides housing for youth aging out of foster care. Contact the Alabama Department of Human Resources at 334-242-1310.Mainstream Vouchers
Assists non-elderly persons with disabilities. Currently closed.
PARTNER APPRECIATION LUNCHEON
On July 10, the Auburn Housing Authority hosted its first Partner Appreciation Luncheon at Youth for Christ. We appreciate all our partners for their ongoing support and collaboration in serving our residents. Thank you, Youth for Christ, for allowing us to use your facility. We're better together!
RESIDENT CORNER
RHA's Pet Policy is part of the lease addendum signed by residents. All pets must be approved and registered.
To review or request a copy of the Pet Policy, contact Beth Redding at 334-869-8863 or bredding@auburnhousingauth.org.Resident Reminders:
Rent is accepted until 4:30 p.m. on the last business day of each month.
Renters insurance is encouraged.
Smoking is not permitted inside units.
Visit the office regularly to stay informed of updates.
Cooking & Fire Safety Tips:
Avoid cooking if tired or under the influence.
Stay in the kitchen while cooking.
Keep flammable items away from the stove.
Keep a lid nearby to smother small grease fires.
POLICY REMINDERS
RHA is committed to providing safe, decent, and sanitary housing. Weekly property assessments are conducted to maintain quality living conditions.
Residents must:
Avoid parking or driving on grass.
Contact the office before bringing pets.
Ensure smoke detectors are operational.
Contact Beth Redding at bredding@auburnhousingauth.org or 334-869-8863 for assistance.
COMPLIANCE CAMERAS PHASE 2 COMPLETE
Upgraded cameras and expanded coverage enhance community safety. For questions, contact Dominique Moore at dmoore@auburnhousingauth.org or 334.821.2262 ext. 242.
WHERE ARE THEY NOW: BRI'ASIA KELLEY
Former AHA Scholarship recipient Bri'Asia Kelley, a University of Alabama graduate with a 4.0 GPA, joined Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and now works as a Multimedia Journalist with WPGA Macon News in Georgia. Congratulations, Bri'Asia!
DRUG / CRIME EVICTION POLICY
RHA enforces a zero-tolerance policy for illegal drug use and criminal activity on its properties. Violations may result in counseling, removal from leases, or eviction.
COLLECTION POLICY (EXCERPT)
Rent is due on the 1st of each month. Late fees apply after 5:00 p.m. on the 6th.
No partial payments are accepted after the due date.
Residents who fail to pay or make arrangements may face lease termination or eviction.
Hardship requests must be made before becoming late.
EXTERIOR AND GROUNDSKEEPING
Residents are reminded to:
Dispose of trash properly.
Keep grounds and porches clear of clutter.
Store garbage carts behind units.
Control children and guests.
Avoid inoperable vehicles on property.
Place large items out only one day before pickup.
WORK ORDERS
Residents must stay clear of maintenance staff while repairs are underway.
Emergency work orders (life/safety threats) are completed within 24 hours; all others within 3 business days.Examples:
Broken exterior locks
Fire or water line break
No heat (below 35°F)
Power loss
Contact Kelvin Whitlow at 334-821-2262 ext. 262 or dial 911 for emergencies.
COMMUNICATION UPDATE
We're updating how we communicate with residents to make information faster and easier to access.
Most notices will now be emailed instead of hand-delivered. HUD-required notices will still be delivered in person.90-Day Transition Period: Both email and hand-delivered notices will be sent.
Need help setting up an email? Visit or call the office - we'll help you create one.
Stay informed by signing up for news alerts at www.auburnhousingauth.org.
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/AuburnHousing
Visit our website for more information - www.auburnhousingauth.org