October 2026 Public Housing Resident Newsletter
Table of Contents:
CEO Message – Listening and Leading
Feature Story – Understanding Your Lease: Being a Successful Resident
Project Update: – Arbor Hill Takes an Important Step Forward
Safe & Sound – Preparing Your Home For Fall
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Community Connect – Your Library Has More Than Books!
Maintenance Matters – Small Steps Make a Big Difference
CEO Message
Listening and Leading
Dear Residents,
As we welcome the month of October, I want to take a moment to reflect on the importance of listening to the people and communities we serve.
At County Housing, we know that our residents are the best source of insight into what is working well and where we can do better. Your experiences, ideas, questions, and concerns help us understand how we can improve the services and communities we provide.
Listening is an important part of leading. It means being willing to hear different perspectives, learn from our residents, and take meaningful action when improvements are needed. Our goal is not simply to provide housing, but to create communities where residents feel respected, supported, and connected to the resources and opportunities available to them.
As we move through the fall season, I encourage you to continue sharing your feedback and staying engaged with your community. Whether you participate in a resident meeting, attend a community event, connect with County Housing staff, or simply share an idea with us, your voice matters.
Thank you for allowing us to serve you and for being an important part of the County Housing community. We are listening, we are learning, and we are committed to leading with purpose.
Warmly,
Shannon Koenig
Executive Director & CEO
County Housing

Feature Story
Understanding Your Lease: Being a Successful Resident
Being a successful County Housing resident is about more than having a place to call home. It’s about understanding your lease, taking care of your home, paying your rent on time, and communicating with us when you need support.
At County Housing, we see ourselves as your landlord and your partner. We want you to be successful in your home, and our team is here to help. By working together and using resources wisely, we can help keep our homes and communities safe, well-maintained, and welcoming for everyone.
Pay Your Rent on Time
One of the most important responsibilities outlined in your lease is paying your rent on time each month. Rent is due on the first day of each month. If rent is not paid by the fifth day of the month and no alternative payment arrangement has been approved by County Housing, lease enforcement procedures may begin.
If you are experiencing a financial challenge that may affect your ability to pay, please contact your Property Manager as soon as possible. Communication is key. Reaching out early allows us to better understand your situation and discuss available resources or options.
Take Care of Your Home
Your home is an important part of your community, and taking good care of it helps protect your housing and keeps our properties in good condition.
Please help us by:
- Keeping your home clean and sanitary.
- Reporting maintenance concerns promptly, before a small issue becomes a bigger one.
- Taking care of appliances, fixtures, doors, windows, and other features of your home.
- Following the rules in your lease regarding alterations, painting, pets, and other changes to your unit.
- Avoiding damage caused by neglect, misuse, or improper use of your home.
County Housing has a responsibility to maintain our properties, but we also need residents to do their part. The resources available to maintain and improve our homes are limited, and unnecessary damage or repairs can take resources away from other important property needs.
Use Resources Wisely
County Housing is committed to providing safe, decent, and affordable housing. We work hard to maintain our properties and respond to residents’ needs, but we cannot afford to continually replace items or make upgrades that result from preventable damage or misuse.
When you take care of your home, you help us take care of your community.
Using your home, appliances, utilities, and other property resources responsibly helps us stretch our resources further and allows us to focus on necessary repairs, maintenance, and improvements throughout our communities.
We’re Your Friendly Landlord
We want you to know that County Housing is here to support you. Our Property Managers and staff are available to answer questions, help you understand your lease, connect you with resources, and work with you when challenges arise.
You don’t have to navigate everything on your own. If you have a question or concern about your rent, your home, a maintenance issue, or your responsibilities as a resident, please reach out to your Property Manager.
We are proud to serve you, and we want to be more than just your landlord—we want to be your partner in successful housing.
Working Together
A successful community is a shared responsibility. When residents pay rent on time, care for their homes, use resources wisely, and communicate with County Housing, we can work together to create stronger, healthier communities.
We’re here for you. We’re your landlord. We’re your partner. And we’re committed to helping you succeed in your home.
Project Update
Arbor Hill Takes an Important Step Forward
County Housing is continuing to invest in the future of affordable housing with an important financing commitment for the redevelopment of Arbor Hill Apartments in Maryland Heights.
St. Louis County has issued County Housing a conditional commitment for up to $5 million in Community Development Block Grant–Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) financing to support construction of the new Arbor Hill Apartments.
The approximately $20 million redevelopment will create:
- 68 new two-, three-, and four-bedroom homes
- 100% affordable housing
- Larger homes designed to better accommodate today’s families
- New accessible housing options that were not previously available at the site
County Housing has also increased its financial commitment to the project to $1.6 million.
Why Arbor Hill Matters
Arbor Hill Apartments were originally designed and built more than 50 years ago. While the community has provided affordable housing for generations of residents, the needs of families have changed.
Today, larger unit sizes are needed to better accommodate families, and accessible housing options are increasingly important.
The redevelopment gives County Housing an opportunity to address those needs while continuing to provide affordable housing in Maryland Heights.
The project is located within County Council District 2 and the Pattonville School District.
Leveraging Resources to Create Opportunity
The CDBG-DR commitment is one component of the project’s broader financing plan, which includes state and federal funding as well as County Housing’s own investment.
The conditional commitment is subject to several requirements, including additional underwriting and programmatic requirements and approval of the project’s Low-Income Housing Tax Credit financing by the Missouri Housing Development Commission.
That distinction is important: the commitment represents a significant milestone, but additional steps must be completed before the funds are actually committed and construction can proceed.
The Arbor Hill redevelopment demonstrates why pursuing multiple funding sources is so important to our work. By combining external resources with County Housing’s own financial commitment, we can pursue substantial improvements to our properties and create housing that better serves residents.
Investing in Our Residents
At its core, Arbor Hill is about the people who will call these homes their own.
The redevelopment will provide families with more space, maintain affordability and introduce accessible options that were not previously available.
It also demonstrates County Housing’s continued commitment to looking ahead—to understanding how residents’ needs are changing and pursuing the resources necessary to respond.
Arbor Hill is more than a redevelopment project. It is an investment in our residents, our communities and the future of affordable housing.

Safe & Sound
Keeping Our Communities Safe Together
Preparing Your Home for Fall
As temperatures begin to cool, October is a great time to make sure your home is ready for the changing season. A few simple steps can help keep you and your family safe and comfortable throughout the fall and winter months.
🍂 Keep walkways clear.
Remove leaves, debris, and other items from sidewalks, entrances, and walkways to help prevent slips and falls.
🔥 Practice fire safety.
Never leave cooking unattended, keep flammable items away from heat sources, and make sure you know where your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are located. If you notice a problem with a detector, contact County Housing right away.
🔌 Use electrical appliances safely.
Avoid overloading outlets or using damaged cords. Space heaters should be kept at least three feet away from furniture, curtains, bedding, and other items that could catch fire.
🍁 Keep your home comfortable and clean.
As you begin using your heating system more frequently, keep vents and radiators clear of furniture and other belongings so heat can circulate properly.
🚨 Know when to call for help.
If you notice a maintenance or safety concern in your home or community, report it promptly. Addressing small problems early can help prevent bigger issues later.
A little preparation now can help make for a safer, more comfortable fall and winter season. Stay safe and sound!
Community Connect
Your Library Has More Than Books!
This Month’s Community Partner: St. Louis County Library

Did you know that your local library offers much more than books?
St. Louis County Library provides a variety of free programs, services, and resources designed to support individuals and families throughout our community. Whether you’re looking for help with schoolwork, exploring career opportunities, need access to technology, or simply want to discover something new, the library has resources that can help.
What can you find at the library?
📚 Books, movies & more – Explore a wide selection of materials for children, teens, and adults.
💻 Technology access – Use computers and other technology resources available through the library.
🎓 Learning & tutoring – Find homework help, tutoring, and educational resources for students and families.
💼 Career resources – Access tools and resources to help with career exploration, job searching, and professional development.
👨👩👧 Programs for families – Take part in free programs and activities designed for children, families, and individuals.
The St. Louis County Library is a great example of how community partnerships can help residents access opportunities and resources that support long-term success.
Connect with St. Louis County Library:
🌐 Visit SLCL.org to explore programs, services, library locations, and upcoming events.

Maintenance Matters
Small Steps Make a Big Difference
Your maintenance team is here to help keep your home in good working order, but residents play an important role, too. A few simple habits and timely maintenance requests can help prevent small issues from becoming bigger problems.
🔧 Report Problems Early
Notice something that isn’t working the way it should? Please let us know. Reporting a dripping faucet, slow drain, water stain, broken fixture, or other concern early can help prevent more extensive damage and may allow our maintenance team to address the issue more quickly.
🚿 Help Prevent Plumbing Problems
Be mindful of what goes down your drains and toilets. Avoid flushing wipes, paper towels, grease, or other items that can cause clogs. If a drain is consistently slow or you notice a leak, report it rather than waiting for the problem to get worse.
🏠 Help Protect Your Home
Simple everyday care can make a difference. Keep vents and radiators accessible, avoid blocking doors and mechanical equipment, and let us know when something needs attention. Taking care of your home helps our maintenance team keep your home and community in good condition.
📝 Know How to Request Service
Not every maintenance concern is an emergency. Routine repairs should be submitted through your property management office or by using the maintenance request process. Providing as much detail as possible, including where the problem is located and what you are experiencing, can help our team understand the issue and respond appropriately.
🚨 Know When It’s an Emergency
Call immediately for urgent situations such as a major water leak, no water, or an electrical issue that requires immediate attention.
For routine repairs, please submit a work order through your property management office.
MAINTENANCE CONTACTS
To submit a work order or report a routine repair, please contact your property management office:
Arbor Hill, Villa Lago, Fee Fee Manor:
(314) 788-6458
Highview, Pagedale, Hillsdale, Olivette:
(314) 912-7958
You can also call (314) 428-3200 and follow the prompts to the Public Housing Department, email phmsr@countyhousing.org, or use the Maintenance Request Form
AFTER-HOURS EMERGENCY CONTACTS
Emergency maintenance service is available each weekday after 5 pm and all day on weekends and holidays.
Call (314) 492-3811
Working Together
Our maintenance team works hard to keep County Housing homes and communities in good condition. When residents report concerns promptly and help care for their homes, we can work together to address problems sooner and keep our communities comfortable and well maintained.
Updates & Announcements
Board Meetings – You’re Invited!
All Board of Commissioners meetings are open to the public, and residents are encouraged to attend. These meetings are a great opportunity to hear directly from our commissioners and leadership team about important updates, upcoming projects, and decisions that impact our communities. Your voice matters, and we’d love to see you there!
County Board Meeting Schedule – Meetings begin at noon
County Housing Headquarters
8865 Natural Bridge Road
St. Louis, MO 63121
- November 10, 2026
Hillsdale Board Meeting Schedule – Meetings begin at 12:30 p.m.
County Housing Headquarters
8865 Natural Bridge Rd., St. Louis, MO 63121
- November 17, 2026
Olivette Board Meeting Schedule – Meetings begin at noon
Olivette City Hall
1140 Dielman Rd., Olivette, MO 63132
- October 27, 2026
Pagedale Board Meeting Schedule – Meetings begin at noon
Pagedale City Hall
1420 Ferguson Ave., St. Louis, MO 63133
- December 8, 2026
County Housing 2026 Holiday Schedule
- Veterans Day – Wednesday, November 11, 2026
- Thanksgiving Day – Thursday, November 26, 2026
- Day after Thanksgiving – Friday, November 27, 2026
County Housing will be closed from Friday, December 25, 2026, through Friday, January 1, 2027, and reopen on Monday, January 4, 2027.
