LaFayette Leader Winter 2026
LaFayette Leader Fall 2025 - Newsletter Cover and Viewing Link
The Winter 2026 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 Winter 2026 - Text Only Version
LaFayette Leader Winter 2026
FROM THE CEO, SHARON N. TOLBERT
Welcome to the Winter 2026 edition of the LaFayette Leader! I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and your New Year is off to a great start.
As we enter the winter season, I want to extend my warmest wishes to our families. This time of year reminds us of the importance of community, kindness, and looking out for one another.
Our team has been working diligently to ensure your homes remain safe, warm, and well-maintained throughout the colder months. Please contact our office if you experience any heating concerns, maintenance needs, or challenges-we are here to support you.
We also encourage you to take advantage of the resources highlighted in this newsletter, including community programs and resident services. Together, we can make this winter a season of comfort, connection, and support.
Fall 2025 was festive for our team! The LaFayette Housing Authority (LHA) hosted an on-site Thanksgiving Farmers Market on November 12, benefiting 86 families. Thank you to our Board of Commissioners and volunteers who assisted during the event.
Kudos to the LHA team for its FYE2025 performance. Due to the Property Management team's hard work and dedication, there were no findings during the FYE2025 audit.
I also want to recognize the maintenance team for maintaining a 97% work order completion rate and 100% on its annual inspections. Job well done, team!
To close out 2025, Commissioners, Resident Advisory Board members, staff, and guests attended our Annual Christmas Luncheon on December 11. We reflected on 2025 accomplishments, shared a delicious meal, recognized Commissioner and staff anniversaries and achievements, shared laughter during "Dirty Santa," and much more!
As always, I want to thank the Board for entrusting me to continue to serve as the CEO of the LaFayette Housing Authority. 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 Winter 2026 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!
I wish each of you a peaceful and healthy winter season and a prosperous 2026!
"Please take care of yourself and each other."
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
Commissioners Nolan Torbert, Marguerite White (Auburn HA), and Barbara Leverett attended the 2025 Commissioners Mastery Conference in Las Vegas, NV, in December 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: March 18, 2026
Time: 12:30 pm (CST)
Location: LHA Administrative Office
301 First Avenue, LaFayette, AL 36862Special meetings 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
Todd James - 3 year Anniversary, Oct 24th
Anthony Askew - 2 year Anniversary, Nov 6th
Marquindez Whitlow - 4 year Anniversary, Dec 16th
Mary Cameron - 2 year Anniversary, Dec 18thBirthdays
Demetrius Parhams - Oct 19th
Quincy Whitlow - Nov 1st
Jaquinta Wright - Nov 6th
Anthony Askew - Sep 21st
Sharon Tolbert - Nov 15th
Esmerelda Smith - Nov 30th
Tabitha Griffin - Dec 7th
Charlotte Bowen - Dec 31stNew Team Members
Anthony Askew - Regional Modernization Coordinator
Esmerelda Smith - HCV Caseworker TBV
David LeGear - Maintenance Mechanic LHA
Rory Shaw - Maintenance Mechanic AHAMaintenace Recognition - We are proud to recognize our outstanding maintenance team for their dedication and hard work in improving our inspection scores and work order completion rates. Their commitment to quality service and quick response times has made a noticeable difference in the upkeep of our properties. Thank you to each member of the maintenance team for your professionalism, attention to detail, and continued efforts to make our communities a better place to live. Your achievements are truly appreciated!
FUN - We'd like to give a special shout-out to Jefferson Whaley for bringing holiday cheer to our Santa Shoppes by playing the Grinch. Your enthusiasm, creativity, and willingness to get into character made the event memorable and fun for everyone.
CLOSED FOR THE HOLIDAYS
The AHA 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.
New Year's Day - Jan 1st and Martin Luther King Jr. Day - Jan 19th
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 and receiving invoices electronically. Vendors may submit invoices to accountspayable@auburnhousingauth.org.
Electronic submission of invoices reduces processing time by eliminating delays caused by mailing paper copies through the United States Postal Service.
Future implementation plans include the creation of a vendor portal allowing vendors to submit invoices, check on payment status, and download 1099s.
For more information, contact Richetta Stephens, AHA Accountant, at (334) 821-2262, Extension 228, or 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.
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 administer the Family Self-Sufficiency Program.
Expiring contracts expected to be procured include Fee Accounting Services, Auditing Services, and Lawn Maintenance at all AHA sites.
Future procurements may include plumbing, tree removal, and establishing a pool of vendors to supply maintenance materials.
Register for procurement notifications at ha.economicengine.com. For assistance, contact customer support at (866) 526-9266.
CURRENT OPENINGS
Maintenance Mechanic (AHA)
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 at www.auburnhousingauth.org.
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 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.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.
FAMILY SELF-SUFFICIENCY (FSS) PROGRAM
The FSS Program is grateful for the strong partnerships we have throughout the community. In November, the FSS Program hosted a financial literacy workshop titled "Don't Let Your Credit Score Tumble." The workshop was led by Daniel Hughes of Cadence Bank and Austin Pearson of the Lee County Literacy Coalition.
Participants enjoyed an interactive game of Jenga while learning the stackable steps to building strong credit and long-term financial stability. We extend a special thank you to Daniel, Austin, and all who attended for making the workshop a success.
FSS participants can now access free counseling through the Revision Counseling Center. Contact Rachel Harris at rharris@auburnhousingauth.org or 334-728-4690.
THANKSGIVING FARMERS MARKET
The LHA Thanksgiving Farmers Market served 86 families with fresh fruits and vegetables. Thank you to our volunteers and Board members who made this event possible.
Visit our website gallery to view images.
All LHA communities now have free Wi-Fi in every unit. For assistance, contact Dominique Moore at dmoore@auburnhousingauth.org or 334-821-2262 ext. 242.
ANNUAL CHRISTMAS LUNCHEON
On December 11, the Auburn Housing Authority celebrated its annual Christmas Luncheon, bringing together staff, RAB members, Board members, and guests from AHA, RHA, and LHA. The event featured opening remarks from our CEO, recognizing our strong partnership with the City of Auburn and expressing appreciation for staff dedication. Special recognitions included Wendy Cochran (10 years), Dominique Moore (5 years), Commissioner Alton Joiner (5 years, also bidding farewell), and Esmerelda Smith for completing her TBV Specialist certification. Hosted by the Marriott of Opelika/Auburn, attendees enjoyed delicious food, a lively Dirty Santa game, and group photos. With 45 participants, the luncheon was a joyful celebration of unity, service, and holiday cheer, and everyone is already looking forward to next year's gathering.
Visit our website gallery to view images.
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.Scholarship Workshop
January 7, 2026 - 3PM in the LHA Community Room
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)
To request a work order, contact the Property Manager at (334) 864-8391. 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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