June 16, 2025

The Voucher Voice

June 2025 Housing Choice Voucher Program Resident Newsletter

CEO Message

Listening and Leading

Dear Residents,

At County Housing, we believe that everyone deserves a safe, stable place to call home. That’s why this month, we’re focusing on safety, not just as a concept, but as a commitment we live out in every interaction, every update, and every investment we make in our communities.

From the arrival of our clearly marked fleet vehicles to the implementation of staff uniforms, we are taking visible steps to ensure you know who is working in your neighborhood and understand their role in supporting our communities. We’ve also made important updates to our policies, including our new Firearms & Weapons Policy, which is designed to promote safety for everyone in our communities.

These changes are just part of our ongoing effort to listen to your concerns and lead with transparency and care. We are building a culture of responsiveness, where your voice shapes the path forward.

Thank you for being part of the County Housing community. Your partnership helps make our neighborhoods stronger, safer, and more connected.

Warmly,

Shannon Koenig
Executive Director & CEO
County Housing

Feature Story

Staying Safe at Home: Updates for our Community

At County Housing, your safety is our top priority. This month, we’re highlighting several important updates designed to support a safe, respectful, and secure living environment for all.

Fleet Arrival: What to Expect

You may notice new County Housing vehicles in your neighborhood! These marked vehicles are part of our updated fleet, helping our staff respond to maintenance and inspection needs more efficiently and safely.

What to look for:

Clearly marked County Housing logos
Uniformed team members (see more below!)
Courteous, professional staff ready to help

Spot Our Team in Uniforms

All County Housing maintenance and inspection staff will now be wearing official uniforms. This ensures you know exactly who is entering your property and adds another layer of safety and trust.

Our uniforms include:

County Housing branded shirts
Visible ID badges
Professional and approachable appearance

If someone visits your residence claiming to be with County Housing and is not in uniform or doesn’t have ID, do not let them in and call us right away.

Administrative Plan Update

As of June 1, the County Housing Board of Commissioners has approved updates to the Administrative Plan. Residents can view the updated plan anytime on this website.

Firearms & Weapons Policy

As part of our continued effort to keep our communities safe, we have updated the Administrative Plan to include a new Firearms & Weapons Policy.

This policy clearly outlines prohibited items and expectations to ensure every household feels secure. Details are available here.

Coming Soon: Maintenance IQ – Smarter, Safer Service for Our Communities

At County Housing, resident and staff safety remains our top priority. That’s why we’re introducing Maintenance IQ—a powerful new tool that will enhance the way we conduct and track home inspections.

Launching soon across our communities, Maintenance IQ will modernize the inspection process by improving coordination, increasing transparency, and supporting quicker response times. This digital platform is designed to make inspections safer, more efficient, and more predictable for everyone involved.

In addition to new safety measures like clearly marked fleet vehicles and identifiable staff uniforms, Maintenance IQ will help ensure your home is well cared for with features such as:

Smarter Inspections – Inspection teams will be able to schedule and prioritize visits more effectively, reducing delays and helping ensure timely service
Real-time notifications – Residents will receive text message updates about upcoming inspections, so you’re always informed
Improved transparency – You’ll know when to expect inspections and what they involve, helping build trust and clarity around the process
Faster issue resolution – By streamlining communication, concerns identified during inspections can be addressed more promptly

Maintenance IQ is one more way we’re using smart, resident-centered solutions to improve service and safety at County Housing.

Thank you for partnering with us to help keep your home safe, secure, and well maintained.

Firearms & Weapons Policy

Important Update: New Firearms and Weapons Policy

At County Housing, we are deeply committed to the safety and well-being of our residents, guests, and employees. To reinforce this commitment, we are introducing a new Firearms and Weapons Policy, which was adopted by the Board of Commissioners in late 2024 and will take effect July 1, 2025.

This policy has been thoughtfully crafted to enhance the safety and security of our communities. We understand the importance of balancing safety with respect for individual rights, and this policy aims to provide clear guidelines on the possession and handling of firearms and weapons within County Housing properties.

What You Need to Know About the Policy

Purpose: The Firearms and Weapons Policy aims to protect residents, visitors, and staff by encouraging responsible ownership, safe storage, and proper handling of firearms and weapons.
Your Rights: Residents maintain their right to bear arms as law permits.
Your Responsibilities: All residents must comply with local, state, and federal laws regarding firearms and weapons, as outlined in your lease agreement. This includes ensuring the proper storage of firearms to prevent accidental harm and to ensure that unauthorized individuals cannot access them. Compliance with these laws and the terms of your lease is essential for maintaining the safety and security of our community.
Consequences of Violations: Unlawful possession, improper storage, or actions that endanger others may result in enforcement actions, including lease termination or eviction.

Learn More

The full Firearms and Weapons Policy, along with the FAQ and additional information can be found here.

Safe & Sound

Stay Cool, Stay Safe!

As summer temperatures rise, it’s important to take precautions to stay safe and healthy:

Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water, especially if you’re spending time outside.
Use Fans or AC: Keep your home cool with fans or air conditioning. If your AC isn’t working properly, contact your landlord right away.
Check on Neighbors: If you have elderly or medically vulnerable neighbors, check in on them during hot days.

Know the Signs of Heat-Related Illness Watch for symptoms like dizziness, headache, or nausea, and move to a cooler space right away. When in doubt, call 911.

🧯 Fire Safety Tip of the Month:
Test your smoke detectors monthly and never remove the batteries

Community Connect

Your 24/7 Link to Local Help — Call 2-1-1

When you need help, it’s not always easy to know where to turn. That’s why United Way 211 is here, connecting you to agencies and resources in your area 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Whether you’re looking for support with housing, food, healthcare, or job training, 211 is a free and confidential service that can guide you to the right resources to help you and your family live your best possible lives.

Here are just a few ways 211 can help:

Basic Needs: Find local food pantries, shelters, and help with rent, utilities, or mortgage payments.
Health Resources: Get connected to Medicaid, Medicare, prenatal care, mental health services, crisis intervention, and substance use counseling.
Support for Seniors & People with Disabilities: Learn about home-delivered meals, home health care, transportation, and day programs.
Help for Children & Families: Access after-school programs, childcare referrals, family counseling, and early childhood learning resources.
Job Support: Explore GED prep, ESL classes, job training, and financial or transportation assistance.
Disaster Assistance: During severe weather or emergencies, 211 can provide info on shelters, disaster recovery resources, and more.

Just dial 2-1-1 or visit www.211helps.org to get started. You’re never alone; help is always just a call or click away.

Need Help Staying Cool This Summer? – Cool-Down St. Louis is here to help.

As temperatures rise, it’s important to stay safe and cool—especially during extreme heat. If you or someone you know is struggling with high utility bills or doesn’t have access to air conditioning, Cool-Down St. Louis may be able to help.

This local nonprofit provides assistance with utility bills and helps connect eligible households with air conditioners or other cooling resources during the summer months.

How they can help:

Utility assistance to help prevent shutoffs
Air conditioners for qualifying seniors and individuals with disabilities
Tips and information to stay safe in extreme heat

Visit HeatUpStLouis.org to apply for assistance or call 314-241-0001 if you’re a senior in need of help. Let’s look out for one another this summer. If you know a neighbor who may benefit from this resource, please help spread the word!

Updates & Announcements

County Housing 2025 Holiday Office Closures

Please be aware that County Housing will be closed on the following holidays in 2025:

Juneteenth – Thursday, June 19
Independence Day – Friday, July 4
Labor Day – Monday, September 1
Veterans Day – Tuesday, November 11
Thanksgiving Day – Thursday, November 27
Day After Thanksgiving – Friday, November 28

Additionally, County Housing will be closed for the holiday season from Thursday, December 25, 2025, Thursday, January 1, 2026, and will reopen on Friday, January 2, 2026.

Please plan accordingly, and we hope you enjoy your holidays!