Auburn Forward

AuburnForward

AUBURNHOUSINGAUTH.ORG

FALL 2020

Administrative staff primarily works remotely.Maintenance staff completes emergency workorders and work in vacant units.Closed to the public.

Administrative staff to alternate between workingonsite and remotely.Maintenance staff completes emergency workorders and work in vacant units.Office open by appointment only.

Goodbye Summer, hello Fall! I hope all are being safeand continuing to adjust as we all navigate throughthe Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The Fall 2020edition of the Auburn Forward reflect on events fromthe previous quarter and upcoming events.

The Auburn Housing Authority’s (“AHA”) Board ofCommissioners approved the COVID-19 ReopeningPlan (“Plan”) on June 30, 2020. The Plan is intendedto implement a thorough, thoughtful, and methodicalapproach to reopening the AHA to staff, clients andthe general public as a result of the COVID-19pandemic. The Plan outlines the following reopeningphases.

Phase One: Assessment/Evaluation

Phase Two: Partial Return (Current)

FROM THE CEO

All staff returns to normal work schedule whileabiding by the Centers for Disease Control’s (CDC)recommendations.Work order restriction lifted. Personal ProtectiveEquipment (PPE) still required.Office opened, but appointments encouraged.Offices will be modified to adhere to CDCrecommendations.

Phase Three: New Normal

Due to the downward trend of COVID-19 cases in Leecounty, AHA transitioned to Phase Two beginningSeptember 21, 2020.

In an effort to better serve our families and to alleviatethe administrative burden on staff, the AHA will beimplementing various virtual services to include butnot limited to online rent payment, electronic leaseexecution and renewal, online recertification, andvirtual resident meetings and workshops. Weanticipate implementing virtual services by November1, 2020; however, the date is subject to change.

I want to thank the AHA’s Board of Commissioners fortheir continued support and dedication. Special thankyou to all of our community partners that haveassisted with providing services to our residents. Asalways, I have to commend our staff for their hardwork and dedication as we strive to meet the housingneeds of our families.

As we enjoy the cool and crisp weather that comeswith the Fall season, I ask that you please adhere tothe CDC’s guideline in an effort to minimize the spreadof COVID-19.

For more information, please visit our website atwww.auburnhousingauth.org and sign up for "Newsand More" to receive email and text notifications. Also,be sure to connect with us on social media!

Please stay safe,

Sharon N. Tolbert, Chief Executive Officer

Sharon N. Tolbert

The AHA would like to thank Mr. John Saidla forfive years of loyal and dedicated service for

serving on the Board of Commissioners.Commissioner Saidla’s term expired on

October 10, 2020.

The AHA would like to welcome Ms. ReneeWaldrop to its Board of Commissioners. Ms.Waldrop’s term began on October 11, 2020.

AHA BOARD UPDATE

COMMISSIONER'S CORNERAHA is governed by a five-member Board of Commissioners, representing a crosssection of the community and appointed by the Mayor of the City of Auburn. Onemember must be a resident of an AHA property or program.

The Commissioners are responsible for overseeing the fiscal management of theagency and approving policies. Board members also appoint a Chief Executive Officer(CEO) to administer the daily affairs of the housing authority.

Board meetings are held at noon on the last Tuesday of each month. The meeting isheld at the Auburn Housing Authority located at 931 Booker Street. The meeting dateis subject to change.

Robert Smith,Chairperson

AUBURN HOUSING AUTHORITY

Nolan Torbert, Sr.,Vice Chairperson

John Saidla,Commissioner

Marguerite White,Commissioner

Deborah Hand,Resident

Commissioner

Auburn Housing Authority Board MeetingDate: October 27 and November 24

Time: 12:00 pm (CST)

Location: Zoom Number: 1 312 626 6799

Meeting ID: 982 2540 9030Passcode: 105854

UPCOMING MEETINGS

ACDC BOARD UPDATE

Under Sharon Tolbert’s leadership, the AHA Board of Commissioners approved theAuburn Community Development Corporation (ACDC) as a non-profit affiliate of theAHA on May 7, 2019.

ACDC’s mission is “Empowering individuals and families by expanding affordablehousing and economic opportunities in an effort to build vibrant neighborhoodsand communities.”

The ACDC has partnered with the City of Auburn to administer a Food Pantry at theBoykin Community Center. ACDC is also exploring affordable housing opportunitiesin an effort to expand housing for families in the Auburn community.

ACDC Board MeetingDate: October 27 and November 24

Time: 1:00 pm (CST)

Location: Zoom Number: 1 312 626 6799

Meeting ID: 982 2540 9030Passcode: 105854

John SaidlaSecretary/Treasurer

term expired October 10, 2020

Nolan TorbertSecretary/Treasurer

term began October 11, 2020

Sharon Tolbert,President


Marguerite White,Vice President

John Saidla,Secretary/Treasurer

Robert Smith,Director

Nolan Torbert,Director

UPCOMING MEETINGS

Deborah Hand,Director

HUMAN RESOURCES & NEWS

Carrie Smith July 19th

Wendy Cochran August 4th

Charlotte Mattox August 5th

Bonnie Morgan August 28th

Matt RobinsonSeptember 3rd

Harvey MaddoxSeptember 29th


Birthdays

We are here to serve you

Greg MooreOctober 7th

Gate HamelOctober 16th

Demetrius ParhamsOctober 19th

Sharon TolbertNovember 15th

Dennis CannonNovember 20th

AJ HarrisNovember 22nd

COMING DOWN THE PIPEThe Auburn Housing Authority (AHA) has been selected to participate in the United States Department of Housing and Urban

Development (HUD) cohort #1 of the Moving to Work expansion. This notification represents our intent to participate in the MTW

demonstration and of our desire to receive public input on the plan development. Participation in the MTW expansion will allow

AHA to develop local policies to enhance our resident/participant’s self-sufficiency outcomes, improve access and availability of

housing, and implement evidence base strategies that promote program efficiency and efficacy. We are excited for this

opportunity. AHA has scheduled two resident/participant information and input meetings to be held by phone. Meetings are

open to all Housing Choice Voucher program participants, participating in the TBV and PBV programs. The meetings will be held

on the following dates.

October 5 and October 12th at 4:00 PM

Meeting Access code: 2046326

To provide input at these meetings, please call 1-701-802-5053

Enter Meeting Access code when prompted.

A public comment meeting on the draft plan is also scheduled for November 9 at 4:00 PM on the same number provided above.

We will post publicly as additional opportunities become available. We will also be connecting with our community partners as

plans develop. If you have any questions concerning the MTW expansion, please contact Star Snipe, HCV Director at 334-821-2262

ext. 221 or [email protected].

HUD announced the Foster Youth to Independence (FYI) initiative, through the

issuance of Notice PIH 2019-20. Public Housing Agencies (PHAs) partnering with

Public Child Welfare Agencies (PCWAs) may request Housing Choice Vouchers

(HCVs) in the form of Tenant Protection Vouchers (TPVs) to assist eligible youth for

a period of 36 months, subject to availability. Eligible youth must meet the

following conditions:

1. Has attained at least 18 years and not more than 24 years of age;

2. Left foster care, or will leave foster care within 90 days, in accordance with a

transition plan described in section 475(5)(H) of the Social Security Act at age 16 or

older; and

3. Is homeless or is at risk of becoming homeless. Eligibility is not limited to single

persons. For example, pregnant and/or parenting youth are eligible to receive

assistance under this notice assuming they otherwise meet eligibility requirements.

FOSTER YOUTH TO INDEPENDENCE (FYI) INITIATIVE

THINGS TO COME

Resident Supply Bags (November 2020)

School Supply Give-Away (November 2020)

Food Pantry (November 2020)

Online Payments (November 2020)

Online Certifications (November 2020)

Free Resident Internet (January 2021)

Compliance Cameras (Coming 2021)

Dates Subject to Change.

MOVING TO WORK (MTW) PROGRAM

AUBURN HOUS I NG AU THOR I T Y RE S I D EN T CORNER

Job/Employment Training

Employment/Work

Drug Testing or Assessment Testing

Educational Courses for Job Training

You must be a current “low-income” resident of AuburnHousing Authority PBV or HCV and you must meet therequirements on the “Eligibility and Affirmation for TANF”form.

You maybe able to qualify by a combination of thefollowing three (3) criteria: your Size of Family Unit, GrossMonthly Income, and Gross Annual Income.

Transportation Services for:

To qualify for the Job Access and Reverse Commute Program:

Residents who would like to receive FREE transportationassistance need to schedule an appointment with CharlotteMattox to determine eligibility for this program by calling(334) 821-2262 ext. 230.

The City of Auburn and the Auburn

Chamber of Commerce have worked

closely to bring the nation’s largest

network of volunteer, expert business

mentors to East Alabama. The

organization, SCORE, is a nonprofit

that provides free, confidential advice

to small businesses. They host local

and national mentorship networks;

offer small businesses educational

resources, webinars and workshops;

and provide an outreach opportunity

for experienced professionals to

volunteer.

For more information about SCORE,

visit score.org/2020-media-faqs

Questions regarding SCORE

Columbus may be directed to Marv

Lieberman at 706-464-8548.

-Auburn News

Alabama Broadband Connectivity (ABC) for Students, willprovide vouchers for families of students currently eligible forfree and reduced-price school meals, or other income criteria.

The vouchers will help cover equipment and service costs forhigh-speed internet service from the fall through Dec. 31,2020.

Visit the link below for access to the Internet voucherapplication abcstudents.org.

Looking for a job? Goodwill Industries

of the Southern Rivers has compiled a

comprehensive list of businesses

hiring in our area.

View the list here:

https://www.goodwillsr.org/work

Find the perfect job for you and apply!

Free Transportation

Free Internet Service

Health care programs, including Medicaid

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program

(SNAP)

Head Start

Pell Grants and Student Loans

Highway Planning and Construction

Community Development Block Grants

Census Representatives were onsite September

29th and 30th to assist residents with the 2020

Census survey. Why does the census matter? It

determines funding for many programs that

impact you, your family, your schools, and your

community. Here are just a few:

The US Census Bureau announced counting

will end October 15 after a Supreme Court

ruling allowing an early deadline.

2020 Census


IMPORTANT ALABAMA ELECTION DATES AND DEADLINES:Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2020.

Are youregistered tovote?Alabama! Are you registered to vote? Do you havea plan to vote in this election? Know yourdeadlines, register, and make a plan to vote!

REGISTER TO VOTE DEADLINES:Online: Oct. 19 by 11:59 p.m.By mail: Postmarked by Oct. 19In-person: Oct. 19 by close of business

Alabama does not offer an early voting period. If you will be unable tovote in person on Election Day, you can request an absentee ballot bymail or by visiting your local election office.

ABSENTEE BALLOT DEADLINES:Request: Oct. 29 by close of businessReturn by mail: Postmarked by Nov. 2Return in person: Nov. 2 by 5:00 p.m.

Register to vote , update your registration, or locate yourpolling by visiting this link: alabamavotes.gov

VOTERREGISTRATION

OPPORTUNITIES:

Ridgecrest Community 931 Booker StreetAuburn, AL 36832

Porter Community415 White Street

Auburn, AL 36832

Sparkman Community1350 Commerce Drive

Auburn, AL 36830

East Park Community900 Old Mill RoadAuburn, AL 36830

Boykin Community Center400 Boykin StreetAuburn, AL 36832

THURSDAY,OCTOBER 15TH2:00PM-4:00PM

Apples, Apples, Apples!

Aid in Weight Loss

Lower Risk of Heart Disease

Lower Risk of Diabetes

Prevent Cancer

Keep Alzheimer’s Away

Reduce Cholesterol

Fight Asthma

Promote Good Bone Health

Beat Diarrhea and Constipation

Prevent Stomach Injury

Detoxify your liver

Protect Your Brain

We appreciate the recent donation of apples

from the Food Bank of East Alabama. These

apples will be a source of healthy nutrition for

the families we serve.

Did You Know that Eating Apples Can Help:

These health benefits are sure to have you

eating more apples!

Properly dispose of your trash items. Placethem in your assigned trash can.

Do not allow trash items to accumulate onyour porch or yard area.

Remove inoperable vehicles from the site.

Do not drive or park on the grass areas.Doing so will result in a lease violation

Properly store bicycles and toys so thatthey are not scattered.

Place large items such as old sofas,mattresses, etc. by the dumpster or curb

Your trash pick-up day is everyWednesday.

Position your trash can on the curbside forpick-up so that it is not blocked by

After trash pick-up, place your trash canbehind your apartment building.

Here are a few reminders of how you areREQUIRED to do your part to keep YOUR

community clean:

and fines leading up to leasetermination/eviction.

ONE day prior to your regularly scheduledpick up day.

vehicles and can be emptied.Pick It Up.

Toss It!AUBURN HOUSING AUTHORITY

All rules and policies listed above are in yourApartment Exterior and Grounds Keeping Policy andwill be strictly enforced. Failure to comply will resultin lease violations, fines and possible leasetermination.

Thank you in advance for doing your part to keepyour community clean. If you have any questions,please call, 334-821-2262 ext. 242.

Take Pride inWhere You

Live!

UNDERSTAND YOUR ROLE1.Play a support role. You’re not expected totake the place of the school teachers.

2. MAKE SPACE FOR LEARNINGYour children will achieve their best work in aquiet, comfortable, and dedicated spacedevoted to learning.

3. SET CLEAR EXPECTATIONSBuild time into the day to assist with yourchild’s learning.

4. ENCOURAGE READINGWhen in doubt, have your children read. If youhave time, read with them.

5. PLAN YOUR WORK & WORK YOUR PLANGood planning can relieve stress for bothchildren and parents.

6. SHOW EMPATHYAllow yourself, your children and theirteachers some latitude and grace during theseunprecedented times.

7. USE SUPPLEMENTAL RESOURCESUtilize all available resources to enhanceindependent learning.

“Behind every young child who believes in himself is a parentwho believed first.” – Matthew Jacobson


8. DON’T FORGET TO HAVE FUNTurn all this extra time at home into anopportunity for bonding.

9. TAKE REGULAR DIGITAL RECESSESMake sure your children take plenty of breaksfrom computers in order to get time away fromscreens.

10. ASK FOR HELPRemember that you’re not alone in this journey.You can reach out to family, friends, neighborsand your child’s school.

PARENT TIPS FORDISTANCELEARNINGSUCCESS

Alabama College Application Campaign Week isOctober 19-23. During this week, many colleges anduniversities around the state waive their collegeapplication fees. Recognizing that 65 percent of jobsrequire postsecondary education and training,

College-bound students can visit fafsa.govto complete their free application forscholarships, grants, work study jobs, andloans for the 2021-22 school year. TheFree Application for Federal Student Aid,commonly known as the FAFSA, givesstudents access to the largest source offinancial aid for certificates or degrees,whether at two-year or four-year programs.Completing this application is a key step inthe college application process.

The FAFSA opened October 1st andstudents planning to begin or continue theircollege education should complete theapplication as soon as possible for the2021-22 school year. Students looking forassistance with college planning, includingfinancial aid, can contact the Alabama Goesto College Help Desk at 334-316-6155 or@algoes2college on social media.

alabamapossible.orgAUBURN HOUSING AUTHORITY

College JustAHEAD!

Article taken from alabamapossible.org

High school seniors who arehousing residents or Section 8

participants, and who arepreparing to enter college, areinvited to apply for the 2021

PHADA Scholarship Program.For More Information or to Apply Visit: phada.org

It is very important to keep this updated.

LANDLORD CORNER

DETAIL >

AUBURN HOUS I NG AU THOR I T Y

www.auburnhousingauth.org.

findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov

consumerfinance.gov


RESIDENT INFORent Payment

AHA Development LLC Rent:Rent is due the 1st of eachmonth, late after the 6th. Ifthe last day to pay rent fallsupon a day the Authority isclosed (weekend or holiday)then residents have the nextbusiness day to pay rent.

If rent is late 14 days, the resident may be injeopardy of being evicted. Please pay your renton time to eliminate late fees and possibleeviction! Rent Payment Drop Box is available24/7 at the Ridgecrest Administrative Office.

Maintenance An emergency work orderwill be completed andmitigated within twenty-four (24) hours. If asituation is determined tonot be an emergency, theresident will be informed

that the request will be considered as “anyother resident work order request”. Normalwork orders will be resolved within 3 businessdays. Emergency Work Orders are when thesituation constitutes a serious threat to thelife, safety or health of resident(s) or staff; orthe situation will cause serious damage to theproperty, property structure or systems if notrepaired within twenty-four (24) hours.Examples of a work order emergency are:

Please call to request a work order:

Mark EllisRegional Maintenance ManagerPhone: (334) 821-2262 ext 262

For Police and Fire Emergencies dial 911


-Broken exterior door lock-Fire-Loss of power – mechanical failure-Broken water line-Loose or falling ceiling-No A/C (when the outside temperature is 90 degrees or above)-No Heat (when the outside temperature isless than 35 degrees)

Smoking PolicySmoking is NOT permittedinside the unit. See theSmoke-Free Policy that’sincluded as an addendumto your lease for moreinformation.

Rental InsuranceResidents are encouragedto obtain rental insurance.Rental insurance helps toprotect your belongingsafter a covered loss.

1. Autumn is the transition season between summer andwinter, best noticed by the leaves color change and theharvest. 2. Autumn begins when the center of the sun crossesEarth’s equator. As Earth continues it path around the sun,days become shorter and nights longer.

3. No film with autumn in its title has won an Oscar. Spring,summer and winter have one each.

4. Since 1997, Autumn has been one of the top 100 namesfor girls in the U.S.

5. A study in the Journal of Aging Research found thatbabies born during the Autumn months are more likely tolive to 100 than those born during the rest of the year.

Autumn Fun Facts!

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Auburn Forward