Roanoke Rising Summer 2026
Roanoke Rising Summer 2026 - Cover and Online Link
Roanoke Rising Summer 2026 - Text Only Version Pages 1-5
From the CEO
Sharon N. Tolbert
Welcome to the Summer 2026 edition of the Roanoke Rising!
Let me start by congratulating the Class of 2026, Handley High School graduates! You have reached an important milestone, and we are so proud of your hard work, resilience, and dedication. As you celebrate your graduation, remember that this achievement is just the beginning of many exciting opportunities ahead. Whether you're pursuing further education, entering the workforce, or exploring new paths, know that you have the skills and determination to succeed.
I also want to congratulate our Class of 2026 college graduates. Your hard work, perseverance, and commitment have led you to this significant achievement. As you celebrate your graduation, take pride in all you've accomplished and look forward to the new opportunities ahead. The knowledge, skills, and experiences you've gained will serve you well as you embark on the next chapter of your journey.
Wishing all our graduates the best in their future endeavors. Keep believing in yourself and go confidently in the direction of your dreams!
As summer arrives, I want to take a moment to thank each of our families for being an important part of our community. The summer season brings fresh energy, new opportunities, and a chance to connect with neighbors and enjoy all that our community has to offer.
The Roanoke Housing Authority is committed to providing a safe, comfortable, and supportive environment for all residents. This summer, we are excited to offer a variety of programs and events designed to promote financial stability, health, wellness, and more. From youth activities to resident workshops and outdoor gatherings, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
We are also continuing our efforts to improve our properties. Our team is working hard on maintenance projects and upgrades throughout the summer months to ensure your home remains a place you are proud of.
Your feedback is always welcome and helps us serve you better. I encourage you to share your ideas and participate in upcoming events.
Wishing you and your family a safe, joyful, and memorable summer!
Bountiful Blessings,
Sharon N. Tolbert
Management Agent for LaFayette & Roanoke Housing AuthorityAuburn Housing Authority Affiliates: AHA Development LLC & Auburn Community Development Corp.
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 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 meets at 5:30 p.m. on the second Thursday in March, June, September, and December. Meeting dates are subject to change.
Board of Commissioners
- Paula Lambert, Chairperson
- Scot Thomason, Vice Chairperson
- Tamara Thomas, Commissioner
- Patrice Awbrey, Commissioner
- Sarah Nunn, Resident Commissioner
Board Updates
During the previous quarter (April-June 2026), the Board approved the FYB2026 Budget, Amended Bylaw, 2026 Elections of Officers, and other action items.
Board Spotlight
We recognize Paula Lambert for her 12 years of dedicated service as a member of the Roanoke Housing Authority Board of Commissioners.
Since joining the Board in 2014, Paula has helped support the Authority's mission and the families it serves through her commitment and leadership.
Thank you, Commissioner Lambert, for your years of service and dedication to the Roanoke Housing Authority.
Upcoming Board Meeting
Date: September 10, 2026
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.
Human Resources & News
We are proud to recognize our Auburn Housing Authority team members for their continued dedication and service to our residents and communities.
Chief Executive Officer Sharon Tolbert and Housing Choice Voucher Manager Charlotte Bowen recently attended the 2026 Alabama Association of Housing & Redevelopment Authorities (AAHRA) Spring Workshop in Birmingham, Alabama. Both attended various professional development sessions.
Promotions
Todd James Resident Services Coordinator
Work Anniversaries
Jaqunita Wright - 3 Year Anniversary, June 8
Esmerelda Smith - 3 Year Anniversary, June 20
Justin Rowell - 4 Year Anniversary, June 30
Birthdays
Sylvia Impson - June 20
Kelvin Whitlow - June 23
Shannon Walters - June 30
Employee Spotlight - Jaquinta Wright, HCV Caseworker PBV
Jaquinta has been employed with AHA since 2023. Jaquinta serves as our Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Caseworker PBV where she assists the HCV Manager in administering Project Based Voucher program at the Auburn and LaFayette Housing Authority. Jaquinta performs a variety of technical case management duties, including determining initial and continued eligibility and maintaining accurate case files. Jaquinta thank you for all you do. We appreciate your contributions, and we are glad you are here!delivery of services and implementation of strategies to improve resident quality of life.
Team Thank You!
To every member of the Auburn Housing Authority team, thank you for everything you do. The work that happens across our agency each day would not be possible without your efforts. Whether you work directly with residents, maintain our properties, or provide support behind the scenes, your role matters, and your contributions are valued.
We appreciate the professionalism, teamwork, and pride you bring to your work. Thank you for being part of what makes Auburn Housing Authority a strong organization and a trusted resource in our community.
We are grateful for each of you.
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 so 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. If you are a current vendor with AHA and would like to submit your invoices electronically instead of mailing a paper copy, you can email the invoice to accountspayable@auburnhousingauth.org.
The AHA Accountant monitors the email account for receipt of submitted invoices and forwards the invoices for approval and processing. Electronic submission of invoices reduces processing time by eliminating delays caused by mailing paper copies through the U.S. Postal Service.
Future implementation plans include the creation of a vendor portal allowing vendors to submit invoices, check on payment status, and download 1099s.
If you are a current vendor partnering with AHA and would like more information related to ACH payments or electronic transmission of invoices, you can contact the Finance Department. Richetta Stephens, AHA Accountant, can be reached at (334) 821-2262, Extension 228, or by email at 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. In order to maximize its contracting dollars, AHA looks for as much competition as the open market will provide. We are always looking for new qualified vendors.
AHA is currently processing bids for roofing services for the Auburn and Roanoke sites. In addition, AHA is preparing a bid for Family Self Sufficiency (FSS) Coordinator Services to administer the Family Self Sufficiency Program for Auburn Housing Authority.
Expiring contracts expected to be procured in the next few months include competitive procurements for:
- Fee Accounting Services
- Auditing Services
- Lawn Maintenance at all AHA sites
Future procurements for AHA may include services for:
- Plumbing
- Tree Removal
- Maintenance Materials
Make sure you register through the e-Procurement site to receive notifications when related bids open for procurement.
Learn more about becoming a vendor, current solicitations, and procurement guidelines by visiting:
www.auburnhousingauth.org/procurement
E-Procurement
In an effort to improve communication with vendors, reduce administrative costs, and streamline the procurement process, AHA conducts most of its competitive solicitations through the e-Procurement Marketplace.
AHA absorbs all costs associated with using the Marketplace. There are no additional charges to vendors who wish to respond to published procurement solicitations.
How to Register
- Visit ha.economicengine.com (no "www").
- Click Login if you are already registered.
- Click Sign Up as a Vendor if you are a new user.
- Follow the registration instructions.
If you experience problems accessing or registering on the Marketplace, contact Customer Support at (866) 526-9266.
Office Closures
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.
Independence Day
July 4
Employment Opportunities
Current Openings
There are no current openings at this time.
Employee Benefits
The Auburn Housing Authority offers the following 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 through Thursday)
To learn about future employment opportunities, visit the Careers page at:
Roanoke Rising Summer 2026 - Text Only Version Pages 6-8
Resident Corner
The Roanoke Housing Authority's (RHA) mission is to provide safe, decent, and affordable housing for families. RHA must comply with the Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) regulations and RHA's internal policies and procedures. RHA encourages families to comply with the following requirements to maintain their housing assistance.
a. Comply with your annual recertification requirements and submit the requested information by the deadline.
b. Report all changes in income and household composition.
c. Comply with your public housing dwelling lease.
d. Comply with all written requests and forward the requested information by the deadline.
Not complying with the requirements above may result in the termination of your assistance or eviction. The list above is not all-inclusive.
If you have questions about your public housing assistance, please contact the Property Manager's office at 334-869-8863.
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. Rental insurance helps to protect your belongings after a covered loss.
Smoking is NOT permitted inside the unit. See the Smoke-Free Policy that's included as an addendum to your lease for more information.
Tenants are encouraged to frequently visit the office to stay informed about updates to the ban list.
Pet Policy
RHA's Pet Policy is included within the Lease Addendum signed by all Residents. By signing, residents agreed to report all pets and pay deposits and applicable fees. Per the lease, RHA residents agree to:
"Not keep or allow dogs, cats, or any other animals or pets on the premises without the prior written consent of the Landlord and in accordance with the Landlord's Pet Policy. Residents are only allowed to keep common household pets in their units subject to the execution of the pet policy of the Landlord and proper execution of the Lease addendum for pets. Resident agrees to comply with the Pet Policy. Violation of the pet rules, as outlined in the lease addendum, will be grounds for removal of the pet, fines, termination of pet owner's tenancy, or both. Violation of this Paragraph shall be considered a serious violation of this lease;"
If you have a pet and have not notified the property manager, do so immediately. Failure to comply can lead to financial penalties and/or eviction.
To request a copy or ask questions concerning the RHA's Pet Policy, contact Beth Redding via phone at 334-869-8863 or via e-mail at bredding@auburnhousingauth.org.
Congratulations, Class of 2026!
Roanoke Housing Authority proudly congratulates Ci'Niya Phillips (pictured) and Ma'Ljaha Nolan on graduating from Handley High School. We are proud of your hard work and dedication and wish you both continued success as you begin the next chapter. Congratulations on this well earned achievement!
Drug / Crime Eviction Policy
The Board of Commissioners of the Housing Authority and Landlord, in an effort to take a positive stand against the sale and use of illegal drugs and other crimes on Landlord or Housing property, hereby adopts and endorses the following policy.
I.
Any person, regardless of age, arrested on Housing Authority (HA) or Landlord's property for possession, use, or sale of drugs or any unlawful act that threatens the peace and security of the Tenants, general public, or HA staff, who is not listed as a family member on any lease of Landlord's property will immediately be issued a letter of "No Trespassing."
II.
Any person arrested on Landlord or Housing Authority property for possession, use, or sale of drugs or any unlawful act that threatens the peace and security of the Tenants, general public, or HA staff, who is listed as a family member on a lease of Landlord or Housing Authority owned property and who is under the age of 19 will immediately be sent a letter requiring the arrested family member and the entire family to come to the office for counseling in which the following will be required:
A. Head of house and all family members will be required to sign a statement acknowledging the counseling session and acknowledging that another occurrence of this problem may result in termination of the lease.
B. The arrested family member MUST agree to and MUST attend an HA approved counseling or rehabilitation program. HA will verify attendance and completion of the program.
C. Failure to agree or comply with Section II, A, B may result in immediate termination of the dwelling lease.
III.
Any person arrested on Landlord or Housing Authority property for possession, use, or sale of drugs or any unlawful act that threatens the security of the Tenants, general public, or HA staff, who is listed as a family member on a lease of Landlord or Housing Authority owned property and who is 19 years of age or older will immediately be sent a letter requiring the arrested member and lease holder(s) to come to the office for counseling in which the following will be required:
A. The lease holder(s) will be requested to in writing remove the arrested person from the lease and agree to allow the Landlord or HA to send the arrested person a letter of "No Trespassing."
B. If the conditions of the "No Trespassing" letter are violated and it is determined that the remaining family members have contributed to the violation, the dwelling lease may be terminated.
C. Refusal of the Tenant to comply with Section III, A, will result in termination of the dwelling lease.
IV.
If the Head of house or spouse is arrested for possession, use or sale of drugs the conditions in Section III, (A-C) will apply.
We Do Business In Accordance With the Federal Fair Housing Law
Revision Schedule: Exhibit A
Policy Alert - Collection Policy (Excerpt)
I. RENT DUE DATE:
Rent and service fees are due on the first (1st) of each month. No partial payments will be accepted on or after the rent due date.
II. LATE FEE CHARGED:
If rent and service fees are not received by 5:00 p.m. on the sixth (6th) of the month, a "late fee" in accordance with the Board approved posted current late fee charge will be added to your account.
III.
Residents who fail to pay their rent or make arrangements to resolve balances by 5:00 p.m. on the sixth (6th) will be sent a "LEASE TERMINATION NOTICE."
IV.
Residents requesting a hardship must request the hardship prior to being considered late. Hardships will not be granted on requests made after the last day to pay on time unless a verifiable emergency exists.
V.
Residents who are still residing in the apartment after the lease termination notice has expired will be issued eviction papers.
VI.
If a resident moves out of a dwelling unit owing the Housing Authority for back rent, repairs, and/or other expenses, he or she should arrange for the debt to be paid or face possible court action.
Policy Reminder
RHA is committed to providing all residents with safe, decent, and sanitary housing and ensuring that all residents have the right to peaceful enjoyment of their apartment. As a part of this commitment, RHA has implemented weekly property assessments. As a result, RHA requests residents' assistance in addressing frequent issues observed. (Please note that all residents agree to abide by this policy upon signing a lease, failure to do so can lead to fines and eviction.)
- No parking on or driving across the grass is permitted at any time.
- Before bringing a pet and/or service animal home, you must contact RHA's office. RHA has no pet visitation policy.
- All smoke detectors inside the home must be operable. Residents should contact the office to request batteries for all beeping smoke detectors. Smoke detectors should not be tampered with, removed, disconnected, or covered.
Contact RHA Property Manager Beth Redding via phone at 334-869-8863 or e-mail at redding@auburnhousingauth.org.
Exterior and Groundskeeping
RHA is committed to providing an attractive environment for all our communities. Residents, please be reminded that:
- All garbage and debris must be disposed of in the City of Roanoke assigned garbage carts. No trash should accumulate on the grounds or porch of the apartment.
- All garbage carts must be stored appropriately at the rear of my apartment. Garbage carts are allowed on the street the night before the scheduled pickup and returned to storage the next day.
- All child(ren)/guests' conduct must be controlled to prevent damage to the interior and exterior of the apartment.
- Roofs must be free of litter, sticks, and other debris.
- Do not accumulate items on the porch, yard, or any other property premises.
- Inoperable vehicles are not allowed in parking areas, sidewalks, or grass.
- All bicycles and toys must be stored appropriately and not scattered around the yard.
- All large items (sofas, mattresses, etc.) must not be on the curb earlier than one day before the scheduled City of Roanoke garbage pickup.
Compliance Cameras Phase 2 Complete!
By increasing coverage and upgrading technology, we aim to provide even better oversight and support for our community. If you have any questions, please reach out to Dominique Moore, Regional Property Manager, at dmoore@auburnhousingauth.org or call 334.821.2262 ext. 242.
Emergency Work Orders
For the safety of our residents and maintenance staff, effective immediately, residents will not be allowed in the vicinity of our maintenance staff while they are performing maintenance repairs inside of AHA units.
An emergency work order will be completed within twenty-four (24) hours. If a situation is determined to not be an emergency, the resident will be informed that the request will be considered as "any other resident work order request". Normal work orders will be resolved within 3 business days. Emergency Work Orders are when the situation constitutes a serious threat to the life, safety, or health of resident(s) or staff; or the situation will cause serious damage to the property, property structure, or systems if not repaired within twenty-four (24) hours.
Examples of a work order emergency are:
- Broken exterior door lock
- Fire
- Loss of power - mechanical failure
- Broken water line
- Loose or falling ceiling
- No Heat (when the outside temperature is less than 35 degrees)
To request a work order, please contact the Property Manager at (334) 869-8863.
For Police and Fire Emergencies dial 911.