Roanoke Rising Winter 2026
Roanoke Rising Winter 2026 - Newsletter Cover and Viewing Link
The Winter 2026 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 Winter 2026 - Text Only Version
FROM THE CEO - SHARON N. TOLBERT
Welcome to the Winter 2026 edition of the Roanoke Rising! 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 Roanoke Housing Authority (RHA) hosted an on-site Thanksgiving Farmers Market on November 12, benefiting 52 families. Thank you to our Board of Commissioners and volunteers who assisted during the event.
Kudos to the RHA 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 98% work order completion rate. 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!
We anticipate 2026 to be as eventful as 2025, but our team is up for the challenge. During Winter 2026, our team will draft RHA's HUD Annual Action Plan, draft HUD Capital Fund Program (CFP) 5-Year Plan, implement HUD-approved CFP improvement projects, submit the FYE2025 audit to HUD, and more.
As always, I want to thank the Board for entrusting me to continue to serve as the CEO of the Roanoke 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 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!
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
We extend our sincere thanks to Commissioner Robert Alton Joiner for his five years of dedicated service to the Roanoke Housing Authority. His leadership and commitment to the Authority's mission are greatly appreciated, and we wish him well as we bid him farewell.
We are also pleased to welcome Tamara Thomas and look forward to her service and contributions as she joins the board.
RHA Board Meeting
Date: March 12, 2026
Time: 5:30 pm (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
Paula Lambert, Chairperson
Scot Thomason, Vice Chairperson
Robert Alton Joiner, Commissioner
Patrice Awbrey, Commissioner
Sarah Nunn, Resident CommissionerRoanoke 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.
Board meetings are held at 5:30 pm on the second Thursday in March, June, September, and December. The meeting date is subject to change.
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.
HCV Programs
Tenant-Based Vouchers (TBV)
Provides rental assistance to low-income families in Lee County. The waiting list is currently closed. Contact Esmerelda Smith at esmith@auburnhousingauth.org or 334-821-2262 ext. 224 for updates.Project-Based Vouchers (PBV)
Tied to specific units. Waitlist open for 3-5 bedrooms. Contact Jaquinta Wright at jwright@auburnhousingauth.org or 334-821-2262 ext. 267Veterans 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 Rachel Harris, FSS Coordinator at rharris@auburnhousingauth.orgEmergency 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 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.
THE GRINCH VISITS RHA
The Roanoke Housing Authority welcomed a special holiday visitor, Jefferson Whaley as the Grinch. He spent the day with 30 residents taking photos, handing out gifts, and spreading holiday cheer through laughter and festive fun.
Visit our website gallery to view images.
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.
2 Fresh Starts for the New Year:
- Pick one small goal, not five. Whether it's saving a little each month, keeping appointments, or cooking at home once a week, small wins add up fast.
- Use what you already have. Your phone can be a calendar, budget helper, reminder system, and camera to track progress. No fancy tools needed.
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.
THANKSGIVING FARMERS MARKET
The RHA Thanksgiving Farmers Market served 52 families with fresh fruits and vegetables. We are grateful for the opportunity to support our community.
Visit our website gallery to view images.
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.
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
To request a work order, please contact the Property Manager at (334) 869-8863 or dial 911 for emergencies.
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/AuburnHousing
Visit our website for more information - www.auburnhousingauth.org