Roanoke Rising Fall 2026
Roanoke Rising Fall 2026 - Cover and Online Link
Roanoke Rising Fall 2026 - Text Version Only
From the CEO: Sharon N. Tolbert
Management Agent for LaFayette & Roanoke Housing Authority
Auburn Housing Authority Affiliates: AHA Development LLC & Auburn Community Development Corp.Welcome to the Fall 2026 edition of the Roanoke Rising!
As we welcome the fall season, I am pleased to reflect on the progress we continue to make together at the Roanoke Housing Authority (RHA). Fall is a season of change and renewal, and it provides a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our accomplishments while looking ahead to new opportunities.
Our commitment remains focused on providing safe, decent, and sanitary housing while creating opportunities that help individuals and families achieve greater stability and self-sufficiency. Through our employees' dedication, our residents' partnership, and the support of our Board of Commissioners and community partners, we continue working toward stronger communities and improved quality of life for those we serve.
As the year progresses, we remain focused on maintaining our properties, strengthening our programs and services, meeting our regulatory responsibilities, and identifying innovative ways to improve the housing experience for our residents.
I also want to express my sincere appreciation to our employees. Your professionalism, compassion, and commitment make a meaningful difference every day. To our residents, thank you for being an important part of our community and for working with us to create neighborhoods where everyone has an opportunity to thrive.
As we enter this beautiful season of gratitude and reflection, let us continue to work together with purpose, teamwork, and a shared commitment to excellence.
Wishing our residents, employees, Board of Commissioners, and community partners a safe, healthy, and wonderful fall season.
Bountiful Blessings,
Sharon N. Tolbert
Roanoke Housing Authority Commissioner's Corner
- Paula Lambert, Chairperson
- Scot Thomason, Vice Chairperson
- Tamara Thomas, Commissioner
- Patrice Awbrey, Commissioner
- Sarah Nunn, Resident Commissioner
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 spotlight
We recognize Sarah Nunn for her 10 years of dedicated service as a resident member of the Roanoke Housing Authority Board of Commissioners. Since joining the Board in 2016, Sarah has helped support the Authority's mission and the families it serves through her commitment and leadership. Thank you, Commissioner Nunn, for your years of service and dedication to the Roanoke Housing Authority.
Board updates
During the previous quarter (July-September 2026), the Board approved the 2026 Performance Award and other action items.
RHA Board meeting
Date: December 10, 2026
Time: 5:30 pm (CST)
Location: RHA Administrative Office, 231 Avenue A, Roanoke, AL.
- Special Meeting will be held for time-sensitive action items.
- The date, time, and location are subject to change.
Human resources & news
New team members
- Larry Jackson, Maintenance Mechanic (HVAC)
- John Hanna, Maintenance Mechanic (HVAC)
Work anniversaries
- Wendy Cochran - July 1st
- Beth Redding - July 2nd
- Sharon Tolbert - July 11th
- Sylvia Impson - July 14th
- Richetta Stephens - July 15th
- Tabitha Griffin - August 28th
- Kelvin Whitlow - September 23rd
- Christina Williamson - September 30th
Birthdays
- Wendy Cochran - August 4th
- Justin Rowell - August 17th
- Christina Williamson - August 19th
- Anthony Askew - September 21st
Team thank you!
Kudos to the Multifamily Housing Department (AHA Development LLC, LaFayette HA, and Roanoke HA) for obtaining High Performer (90 or higher) status for FYE2026 based on the following performance measurement factors:
- Physical Conditions
- Financial Conditions
- Management Operations
Your hard work has made FYE2026 a great success! We are grateful for each of you.
Staff shout out
Shout out to Sylvia Impson for regularly keeping an eye out on the extreme weather conditions and helping to keep our team hydrated and protected with the proper PPE.
Employee spotlight: Tabitha Griffin
Executive Business Administrator
Tabitha has been employed with AHA since 2023. Tabitha serves as our Executive Business Administrator where she provides high-level, diverse, comprehensive administrative support to the CEO. Tabitha also oversees aspects of public relations, product branding and marketing compliance, Board and affiliate administration, IT, spearheads special events, grant writing and other high level executive administrative functions. Tabitha, thank you for all you do. We appreciate your contributions, and we are glad you are here!
Staff directory
Name Title Extension / Phone Angel Long Human Resources Director 237 along@auburnhousingauth.org Tabitha Griffin Executive Business Coordinator 210 tgriffin@auburnhousingauth.org Wendy Cochran Chief Operating Officer 247 wcochran@auburnhousingauth.org Charlotte Bowen HCV Manager 221 cbowen@auburnhousingauth.org Esmerelda Smith HCV Caseworker TBV 224 esmith@auburnhousingauth.org Jaquinta Pettus HCV Caseworker PBV 267 jpettus@auburnhousingauth.org Rachel Harris FSS Coordinator 259 rharris@auburnhousingauth.org Shannon Walters MFH Director 243 swalters@auburnhousingauth.org Anthony Askew Regional Modernization Coordinator 220 aaskew@auburnhousingauth.org Dominique Moore Regional Property Manager 242 dmoore@auburnhousingauth.org Kelvin Whitlow Regional Maintenance Technician 262 kwhitlow@auburnhousingauth.org Todd James Resident Services Coordinator 230 tjames@auburnhousingauth.org Richetta Stephens Accountant 228 rstephens@auburnhousingauth.org Sylvia Impson Purchasing/Inventory Clerk 255 simpson@auburnhousingauth.org Christina Williamson Property Manager, LaFayette Housing Authority 334-864-8391 cwilliamson@auburnhousingauth.org Beth Redding Property Manager, Roanoke Housing Authority 334-869-8863 bredding@auburnhousingauth.org Office closures and holidays
The AHA's 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.
- Columbus Day - October 12th
- Veterans Day - November 11th
- Thanksgiving - November 25-26th
Tenant-based vouchers (TBV)
Auburn Housing Authority's (AHA) Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Tenant Based Voucher (TBV) Program allows low-income families to rent quality housing in the private market via federal funds provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Through the HCV Program, AHA pays a portion of eligible families' rent each month directly to the property owner. Families can use their vouchers to rent a house or apartment in the private market throughout Lee County, with the exception of the city limits of Opelika, AL.
Because there are more families who need rental assistance than there are funds available, AHA uses a waiting list to administer the program to eligible families.
Applicant families must meet the following eligibility requirements to qualify for the HCV Program:
- Meet HUD's definition of family
- Meet income limits specified by HUD
- Qualify on the basis of citizenship or eligible immigrant status
- Provide Social Security number
- Sign required consent forms
- Pass screening process
Currently, AHA's tenant-based voucher waiting list is closed. AHA will provide notice through a variety of media outlets when it reopens. To learn more contact Esmerelda Smith at 334-821-2262 ext. 224 or by e-mail at esmith@auburnhousingauth.org.
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/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 US 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 for more information. Richetta Stephens, AHA Accountant, can provide additional information and 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 FSS Coordinator Services to procure 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, and Lawn Maintenance at all AHA Sites.
Future procurements for AHA may include services for plumbing, tree removal, and establishing a pool of vendors to supply maintenance materials when needed. Make sure that you register under the e-procurement site to ensure you 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 our communication with our vendors, reduce administrative costs, and streamline our procurement process, AHA conducts most of its competitive solicitations on the e-Procurement Marketplace site. Please be advised that AHA absorbs all costs for using this Marketplace; therefore, there will not be any additional charges to your firm to use this Marketplace site if you desire to respond to a published procurement solicitation.
To take part in the e-procurement process, please follow these instructions:
- Access ha.economicengine.com (no "www").
- Click on the "login" button on the upper left side (for registered users) or
- Click the "Sign up as a Vendor" button on the lower left side (for non-registered users).
- Follow the listed directions.
If you have any problems accessing or registering on the Marketplace, please contact customer support at (866) 526-9266.
Resident Corner
Election Day reminder
Alabama's General Election is Tuesday, November 3, 2026. The last day to register to vote is October 19, 2026. You can check your voter registration, confirm your address and find your assigned polling place at AlabamaVotes.gov.
A few minutes now can help you be ready for Election Day!
Ban list reminder
Tenants are encouraged to frequently visit the office to stay informed about updates to the ban list.
Housing assistance requirements
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.
- Comply with your annual recertification requirements and submit the requested information by the deadline.
- Report all changes in income and household composition.
- Comply with your public housing dwelling lease.
- 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.
Smoking is NOT permitted inside the unit. See the Smoke-Free Policy that's included as an addendum to your lease for more information.
RHA 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 questions concerning the RHA's Pet Policy, contact Beth Redding via phone at 334-869-8863 or via e-mail at bredding@auburnhousingauth.org.
Rent payment cutoff
ALL locations stop taking rent at 4:30 p.m. on the last business day of each month.
Rental insurance
Residents are encouraged to obtain rental insurance. Rental insurance helps to protect your belongings after a covered loss.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Maintenance repairs and 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.