Roanoke Rising Spring 2026
Roanoke Rising Spring 2026 - Cover and Online Link
Roanoke Rising Spring 2026 - Text Only Version
Roanoke Rising
Roanoke Housing Authority | Spring 2026
auburnhousingauth.org
From the CEO
Sharon N. Tolbert
Welcome to the Spring 2026 edition of the Roanoke Rising! Spring is a time of growth and new beginnings. It's a time to reflect on our recent achievements and to look forward to the new opportunities ahead.
I want to recognize our team for achieving several departmental milestones, including implementing the modernization program, enhancing public housing quality controls, achieving high maintenance work order completion rates, turning vacant units in a timely manner, and more.
During the Spring, our team will continue to implement high-priority goals and objectives, including maintaining high occupancy and work order completion rates, implementing electronic workflows, resident programs, and more.
As always, I want to thank the Board for entrusting me with the continued role of 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 you find the Spring 2026 Roanoke Rising edition a useful tool 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!
As we end the Winter season and start Spring, make sure to slow down and smell the roses. As always, "Please take care of yourself and each other."
Bountiful Blessings,
Sharon N. TolbertManagement Agent for LaFayette & Roanoke Housing Authority
Auburn Housing Authority Affiliates: AHA Development LLC & Auburn Community Development Corp.
Board Updates
During the previous quarter (January-March 2026), the Board approved the FYB2025 Audit Report, 2026 Utility Allowance Schedule, 2026 Flat Rent Schedule, FYB2026 HUD PHA Annual Plan, FYB2026-FYB2030 CFP Rolling Plan and other action items.
We're pleased to welcome Tamara Thomas as our newest board member. We are excited to have her join us and look forward to the perspective and insight she will bring to the work we do.
RHA Board Meeting
Date: June 11, 2026
Time: 5:30 pm (CST)
Location: RHA Administrative Office
231 Avenue A, Roanoke, ALSpecial meeting will be held for time-sensitive action items.
The date, time, and location are subject to change.
Commissioner's Corner
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 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.
The board meetings are held at 5:30 pm on the 2nd Thursday in March, June, September and December. The meeting date is subject to change.
Board Members
Paula Lambert, Chairperson
Scot Thomason, Vice Chairperson
Tamara Thomas, Commissioner
Patrice Awbrey, Commissioner
Sarah Nunn, Resident Commissioner
Human Resources & News
New Team Members
Lane Grimes, Maintenance Mechanic AHA
Kearra Ricks, Property ManagerWork Anniversaries
Demetrius Parhams - 1 year Anniversary, Jan 6th
Angel Long - 2 year Anniversary, Feb 5th
Jefferson Whaley - 2 year Anniversary, Feb 19th
Charlotte Bowen - 1 year Anniversary, March 10thBirthdays
Beth Redding - Jan 6th
Dominique Moore - Feb 3rd
Lane Grimes - Feb 28th
Angel Long - March 9th
Todd James - March 14thMaintenance & Modernization Team Recognition
We are proud to recognize our maintenance and modernization team for their dedication and hard work in keeping our properties clean, groomed, and presentable for residents and visitors.
Their consistent efforts play a key role in maintaining the overall appearance and quality of our communities.
Thank you to the team for your attention to detail, professionalism, and commitment to creating spaces our residents can take pride in. Your work does not go unnoticed and is truly appreciated.
Community Highlight
Our Bunny Hunt at Drake Community brought everyone together for a fun afternoon. Kids were all over the green space searching for eggs, and you could hear the excitement and laughter throughout the community.
Check out the images on our Facebook page.
Employee Spotlight
Justin Rowell - Maintenance Technician
Justin has been employed with AHA since 2022. Justin serves as our Maintenance Technician II where he performs a vast array of semi-routine and general maintenance duties for the AHA and its managed agencies.
Justin is skilled in HVAC repair, carpentry, electrical, plumbing, masonry, and painting. Justin also performs general repairs on maintenance equipment as needed.
Justin, thank you for all you do. We appreciate your contributions, and we are glad you are here.
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.
AHA is preparing a bid for FSS Coordinator Services to administer the Family Self-Sufficiency Program.
Upcoming procurements include:
- Fee Accounting Services
- Auditing Services
- Lawn Maintenance
Future procurements may include:
- Plumbing
- Tree removal
- Vendor pools for maintenance materials
Visit: www.auburnhousingauth.org/procurement
Finance / Accounts Payable
AHA is converting to an online system for finance operations.
Accounts Payable payments will be processed through ACH transfers.
To enroll in ACH:
Contact Richetta Stephens
rstephens@auburnhousingauth.org
(334) 821-2262 ext. 228Invoices can be submitted electronically to:
accountspayable@auburnhousingauth.orgFuture plans include a vendor portal.
E-Procurement
Register at: ha.economicengine.com
Steps:
- Login or sign up as vendor
- Follow directions
Support: (866) 526-9266
Tenant-Based Voucher (TBV)
The TBV program allows low-income families to rent in the private market.
AHA pays a portion of rent directly to landlords.
Families can rent throughout Lee County except Opelika.
Eligibility
- Meet HUD definition of family
- Meet income limits
- Citizenship or eligible status
- Provide Social Security number
- Pass screening
Waiting list is currently closed.
Contact:
Esmerelda Smith
(334) 821-2262 ext. 224
esmith@auburnhousingauth.org
Resident Corner
Pet Policy
Residents agree to:
- Not keep pets without written consent
- Follow all pet rules
- Pay required deposits
Violations may result in:
- Pet removal
- Fines
- Lease termination
If you have a pet and have not notified the property manager, do so immediately.
Contact: Beth Redding
334-869-8863
bredding@auburnhousingauth.org
Resident Responsibilities
Residents must:
- Complete recertifications
- Report income and household changes
- Follow lease agreements
- Respond to Housing Authority requests
Failure to comply may result in termination or eviction.
Tenants are encouraged to frequently visit the office to stay informed about updates to the ban list.
All locations stop taking rent at 4:30 p.m. on the last business day of each month.
Residents are encouraged to obtain rental insurance.
Smoking is NOT permitted inside the unit.
Compliance Cameras Phase 2 Complete
By increasing coverage and upgrading technology, we aim to provide even better oversight and support for our community.
Contact Dominique Moore
dmoore@auburnhousingauth.org
334-821-2262 ext. 242
Drug / Crime Eviction Policy
FULL policy includes:
- No trespassing orders
- Counseling requirements
- Lease removal requirements
- Termination for non-compliance
Applies to both minors and adults with different conditions outlined.
Collection Policy (Excerpt)
Rent is due on the first.
If not paid by the sixth:
- Late fees apply
- Lease termination notice issued
Failure to pay may result in eviction and court action.
Exterior and Groundskeeping
Residents must:
- Dispose of trash properly
- Store carts correctly
- Keep areas clean
- Avoid parking on grass
- Store items properly
Work Orders and Maintenance
Emergency work orders completed within 24 hours.
Routine work orders within 3 business days.
Examples of emergencies:
- Fire
- Loss of power
- Broken water line
- Loose ceiling
- No heat
Contact: 334-869-8863
Emergency: 911
Policy Reminder
Residents must:
- Not drive or park on grass
- Contact office before bringing pets
- Maintain working smoke detectors
Failure to comply may result in fines or eviction.