Resident Connection

June 2026 Public Housing Resident Newsletter

Table of Contents:

• CEO Message – Listening and Leading

• Feature Story – Think Before You Flush: The Truth About “Flushable” Wipes

• Safe & Sound – Summer Safety for Your Home

• Community Connect – Discover More with St. Louis County Library

• Maintenance Matters

• Updates & Announcements

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CEO Message

Listening and Leading

Dear Residents,

At our agency, listening to our residents is not just a priority; it’s essential to our growth and improvement. Your feedback, concerns, and ideas help guide the decisions we make every day across our Public Housing communities.

Over the past several months, we’ve been focused on strengthening communication and responsiveness. Through resident meetings, conversations with property staff, and direct feedback, we’ve gained valuable insight into your experiences, especially around maintenance, communication, and community safety.

One of the key themes we’ve heard is the importance of timely and clear communication. Residents want to know when work orders will be completed, how to report concerns, and where to turn when they need help. In response, we are working to improve how we share updates, streamline maintenance processes, and ensure residents feel informed every step of the way.

We also understand how important it is to feel safe and comfortable in your home and neighborhood. We are continuing to partner with local organizations to explore ways to strengthen community engagement and support resident-led initiatives.

This is ongoing work, and your voice remains at the center of it. We are committed to listening, learning, and taking action based on what we hear. Together, we can continue building communities that residents are proud to call home.

Thank you for being an important part of our community.

Warmly,

Shannon Koenig
Executive Director & CEO
County Housing

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Feature Story

Think Before You Flush: The Truth About “Flushable” Wipes

Disposable wipes may seem like a quick and easy solution for cleaning and personal hygiene—but flushing them can lead to big (and expensive) problems for you and your community.

Are “Flushable” Wipes Really Flushable?

Despite what the packaging says, most disposable wipes do not break down the same way toilet paper does. Instead of dissolving quickly, wipes stay intact and can build up in pipes, leading to stubborn clogs and sewer backups.

What Happens When Wipes Are Flushed?

• Toilets and drains can become blocked
• Sewage can back up into sinks, tubs, or floors
• Costly plumbing repairs may be needed
• Building-wide systems can be impacted—not just your unit

Even a few wipes flushed over time can create major issues.

What Should You Do Instead?

• Only flush toilet paper—it’s designed to break down safely
• Dispose of wipes (even “flushable” ones), paper towels, and hygiene products in the trash
• Keep a small lined trash can in your bathroom for convenience

Help Keep Our Community Running Smoothly

Taking a few extra seconds to throw wipes in the trash instead of the toilet helps prevent disruptions, protects your home, and keeps maintenance costs down for everyone.

If you’re experiencing slow drains or plumbing issues, please report them promptly so our maintenance team can assist.

Small habits make a big difference—thank you for doing your part!

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Safe & Sound

Summer Safety for Your Home

Summer is a time for sunshine, family, and outdoor fun, but it’s also a good time to take a few simple steps to keep your home safe and comfortable during the warmer months.

Stay Cool and Hydrated
High temperatures can quickly become dangerous, especially for children, older adults, and pets. Drink plenty of water throughout the day, use fans or air conditioning if available, and try to limit outdoor activities during the hottest parts of the day.

Practice Fire Safety
Grilling and outdoor cooking are popular in the summer, but safety comes first. Always grill outside, away from your home, and never leave a grill unattended. If you use candles or fire pits, keep them a safe distance from structures and flammable materials. Make sure smoke detectors in your home are working and have fresh batteries.

Be Storm Ready
Summer storms can bring heavy rain, strong winds, and power outages. Keep a small emergency kit on hand with flashlights, batteries, bottled water, and a phone charger. It’s also helpful to know where to go in your home to stay safe during severe weather.

Keep Kids Safe
With school out, children are often home more during the day. Talk with them about basic safety rules, like not opening the door to strangers, staying away from hot surfaces, and wearing helmets when riding bikes or scooters.

Prevent Pests
Warm weather can bring unwanted pests. Keep doors and windows closed or screened, take out trash regularly, and avoid leaving food out for long periods. Report any maintenance concerns to our Maintenance Department promptly.

A few small precautions can go a long way in helping you and your family enjoy a safe and happy summer. Stay safe, stay cool, and make the most of the season!

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Community Connect

Discover More with St. Louis County Library

Looking for free, fun, and educational activities this summer? The St. Louis County Library is a great resource for individuals and families, especially while kids are out of school.

Throughout the summer months, the library offers a wide range of programs designed to keep children engaged, learning, and having fun. From story times for younger children to hands-on activities, crafts, and teen programs, there’s something for every age group.

One of the most popular offerings is the Library’s Summer Reading Program, which encourages kids and teens to keep reading while school is out. Participants can earn prizes, track their progress, and build strong reading habits in a fun and supportive environment.

In addition to youth programming, the library provides valuable resources for the whole family, including:

• Free access to books, audiobooks, movies, and digital content

• Homework help and tutoring resources

• Computer and internet access

• Job search assistance and career resources

• Educational workshops and community events

Whether you’re looking for a cool place to spend a hot summer day, help your child stay on track academically, or access important services, the library is here to help.

To find a branch near you or explore upcoming events, visit the St. Louis County Library website or stop by your local branch.

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Maintenance Matters

Keeping Your Home in Good Shape

Your home should be a safe and comfortable place for you and your family. Our maintenance team is here to help, but we also rely on residents to report issues promptly and help us keep units in good condition. Here are a few important reminders to keep things running smoothly:

How to Submit a Work Order
If something in your unit needs repair, please report it as soon as possible. Be sure to include your unit number and a clear description of the issue, so our team can respond appropriately. The sooner we know, the sooner we can fix it!

Emergency vs. Routine Repairs
Understanding the difference helps us prioritize urgent needs:

• Emergency repairs include things like no heat in cold weather, major water leaks, electrical hazards, or anything that threatens safety or property. These are addressed as quickly as possible, including after hours.

• Routine repairs include items like dripping faucets, minor appliance issues, or small repairs. These are scheduled during regular business hours.

Getting Ready for Your Maintenance Visit
To help our team complete repairs quickly and safely:

• Make sure the area needing repair is easy to access
• Secure pets before staff arrive
• Ensure someone 18 or older is home if required
• Share as much detail as possible about the issue

Simple Tips to Prevent Common Issues
A few small habits can help prevent bigger problems:

• Avoid pouring grease or food down drains
• Use bathroom fans or open windows to reduce moisture
• Don’t overload electrical outlets
• Dispose of trash regularly to help prevent pests

When to Call Maintenance:

• Call immediately for emergencies like major leaks, no water, or electrical issues

• Submit a work order for routine repairs like slow drains or minor fixes

Reporting issues early helps us fix problems faster and keeps your home safe and comfortable. Thank you for doing your part!

We’re Here to Help
Our maintenance staff works hard to keep our communities in great shape, and your cooperation makes a big difference. By reporting concerns early and following these tips, you help us serve you better and keep your home in top condition.

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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

• September 8, 2026
• 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

• June 23, 2026
• September 22, 2026
• November 17, 2026

Olivette Board Meeting Schedule – Meetings begin at noon
Olivette City Hall
1140 Dielman Rd., Olivette, MO 63132

• August 25, 2026
• October 27, 2026

Pagedale Board Meeting Schedule – Meetings begin at noon
Pagedale City Hall
1420 Ferguson Ave., St. Louis, MO 63133

• August 11, 2026
• October 13, 2026
• December 8, 2026

County Housing 2026 Holiday Schedule

• Juneteenth – Friday, June 19, 2026
• Independence Day (Observed) – Friday, July 3, 2026
• Labor Day – Monday, September 17, 2026
• 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.