December 2025 Housing Choice Voucher Program Resident Newsletter
Table of Contents:
CEO Message – Listening and Leading
Feature Story – Understanding the 2026 Payment Standards and Utility Allowance Updates
Community Connect – Holiday Resources & Support
CEO Message
Listening and Leading
Dear Residents,
As the year comes to a close, I want to take a moment to thank you for being part of the County Housing community. This season gives us a chance to reflect on what matters most—our homes, our families, and the connections we share with one another.
At County Housing, we believe that everyone deserves a safe, stable place to call home. Throughout 2025, our team has worked hard to strengthen that foundation—by improving our properties, expanding resident services, and building partnerships that help connect you with resources and opportunities.
Looking ahead to the new year, we remain committed to listening, learning, and continuing to make County Housing a place where residents can thrive. We’re excited for what’s to come and are grateful to share this journey with you.
On behalf of all of us at County Housing, I wish you and your family a joyful holiday season and a happy, healthy new year.
Warmly,
Shannon Koenig
Executive Director & CEO
County Housing
Feature Story
Understanding the 2026 Payment Standards and Utility Allowance Updates
As we look ahead to the new year, County Housing wants to keep you informed about upcoming updates that may affect your Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) assistance. Each year, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) publishes new Small Area Fair Market Rents (SAFMRs), which help determine payment standards for rental assistance. In addition, County Housing reviews Utility Allowances annually to ensure they accurately reflect current utility costs in our community.
What Are Small Area Fair Market Rents (SAFMRs)?
SAFMRs are used to calculate the maximum amount of rent that County Housing can approve for a voucher-assisted unit. These rates are based on specific ZIP codes rather than a single countywide rate, allowing for a more accurate reflection of local housing costs.
This means that payment standards may vary depending on where a unit is located — helping families access a wider range of housing options across the region.
What Does This Mean for You?
The 2020 Small Area Fair Market Rents (SAFMRs) will go into effect on January 1, 2026. County Housing will apply these updated rates when processing new move-ins, transfers, and rent increase requests. Current participants will remain under their existing lease terms until their next annual reexamination or lease renewal, at which time the updated standards will be applied. Please note that County Housing will continue to honor the SAFMR hold harmless policy.
Utility Allowance Updates
County Housing also reviews Utility Allowances each year to ensure they reflect real-world energy costs for gas, electric, water, sewer, and other utilities. Adjustments to these allowances help ensure that families are receiving the right level of support based on current rates and utility usage trends.
Updated Utility Allowances will also take effect January 1, 2026, and will be automatically factored into future rent calculations — no action is needed from you.
Why These Updates Matter
These annual adjustments help County Housing stay aligned with local housing and utility markets, ensuring that assistance remains fair and consistent for all program participants.
If you have questions about how these updates may affect your rent portion or your next recertification, your Housing Program Specialist will be happy to assist. You can also find more information about payment standards and utility allowances at here.
County Housing is committed to keeping residents informed every step of the way. These annual updates are just one of the many ways we work to ensure housing assistance remains accurate, equitable, and responsive to our community’s needs.
Safe & Sound
Winter Safety Tips
Winter brings colder temperatures, icy sidewalks, and shorter days, which can create new safety challenges at home and in our communities. Here are some tips to help you stay safe and comfortable this season:
- Keep Walkways Clear: Shovel snow and sprinkle salt or sand on steps and sidewalks to prevent slips and falls.
Check Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Make sure batteries are fresh—heating systems and holiday lights can increase risks.
Dress in Layers: Warm clothing, hats, and gloves can help prevent frostbite when heading outside.
Be Cautious with Space Heaters: Keep heaters at least 3 feet away from anything flammable and never leave them unattended.
Stay Connected: Let neighbors or friends know if you’ll be away or need assistance, especially during extreme weather.
🔦 Bonus Tip: Keep a small emergency kit with flashlights, blankets, and water in case of power outages.
Staying mindful and prepared helps everyone enjoy a safe, cozy winter season!
Community Connect
Holiday Resources & Support
The holiday season can be challenging, and County Housing wants to make sure our residents know about resources available to help make this time of year a little brighter:
Food Assistance: Local food pantries and community organizations are offering holiday meal boxes and grocery assistance. Reach out to the St. Louis Area Foodbank to see what’s available.
Gifts & Clothing: Programs in the area provide toys, warm clothing, and blankets for individuals and families in need. Contact The Salvation Army to learn about the services they offer.
Utility Support: If you need help with heating costs as the temperatures get colder, reach out to Heat Up St. Louis.
Community Hotlines & Support: If you’re feeling isolated or need someone to talk to, you can reach out to United Way by calling 211 to get referrals for local health and social services, including immediate shelter needs and other community support programs.
We encourage you to reach out and take advantage of these resources. Everyone deserves to feel safe, supported, and cared for this holiday season.
Know Your Rights
HCV Program Participants
As a participant in the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program, it’s important to understand your rights to ensure your housing experience is fair, safe, and stable. Here’s what you should know:
1. Right to a Quality Unit
- Your unit must meet HUD’s Housing Quality Standards (HQS).
- You can request an inspection if your unit has maintenance or safety concerns.
2. Right to a Fair Lease & Rent
- Your landlord must provide a written lease and cannot charge you more than the approved rent portion.
- You cannot be evicted without proper notice and due process.
3. Right to Participate in Inspections
- You have the right to be present during HCV inspections and to report concerns about your unit.
4. Right to Information
- You can request information about your voucher, including how your portion of rent is calculated.
- You have the right to appeal decisions made by the housing authority if you disagree.
Updates & Announcements
County Housing 2025 Holiday Office Closures
County Housing will be closed for the holiday season from Thursday, December 25, 2025, through Thursday, January 1, 2026, and will reopen on Friday, January 2, 2026.
If you have any issues with your unit during this time, please contact your landlord directly. County Housing Inspectors will be available only for urgent emergencies.
Please plan accordingly, and we hope you enjoy your holidays!
