Aprily 2026 Housing Choice Voucher Program Resident Newsletter
Table of Contents:
CEO Message – Listening and Leading
Feature Story – Exciting Update: Our HCV Caseworkers Are Now Housing Program Specialists
Safe & Sound – Spring Safety Reminders for Your Home
Community Connect – Energy Assistance and Resources from Ameren
CEO Message
Listening and Leading
Dear Residents,
As we move into April and the spring season, I want to take a moment to thank you for being an important part of the County Housing community. It is truly a privilege to serve you through the Housing Choice Voucher Program, and we value the partnership we share with each of you.
Spring is often a time of renewal and fresh starts. We recognize that having a stable place to call home provides more than just shelter; it brings comfort, security, and peace of mind. Our team remains committed to supporting you in finding and maintaining safe, affordable housing while providing clear communication and guidance every step of the way.
As we continue forward together, I encourage you to stay connected with your Housing Program Specialist and to report any changes in income or household size as soon as possible. Keeping your information up to date helps ensure your assistance continues smoothly and without interruption.
Thank you for the trust you place in County Housing. We are committed to listening, learning, and leading in ways that best support you and your family.
Warmly,
Shannon Koenig
Executive Director & CEO
County Housing
Feature Story
Exciting Update: Our HCV Caseworkers Are Now Housing Program Specialists
We are excited to share a small but meaningful change in our HCV team! Moving forward, our valued Caseworkers will be known as Housing Program Specialists.
While the title is new, the important work you’ve come to know and rely on will remain the same. These dedicated team members continue to provide the same personalized support, guidance, and resources to help residents navigate the Housing Choice Voucher program.
The updated title reflects the breadth of their expertise and the professional role they play in helping residents access housing, maintain their vouchers, and thrive in the community. It’s a change that highlights the professionalism, knowledge, and commitment of our team members.
We appreciate the incredible work of all our Housing Program Specialists and look forward to continuing to support our residents together.
🔍 Find Your Housing Program Specialist
We are excited to announce a new Look-up Tool for residents! This tool allows you to easily find your assigned Housing Program Specialist and access their contact information, so you can get the support and guidance you need quickly.
We appreciate the incredible work of all our Housing Program Specialists and look forward to continuing to support our residents together.
Safe & Sound
Spring Safety Reminders for Your Home
As the weather warms up, it’s a great time to refresh your home and review a few important safety tips to help keep you and your family safe and comfortable.
Test Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Make sure all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working properly. Test them monthly and replace batteries as needed. If a detector is not working, notify your landlord right away.
Keep Exits Clear
Ensure all exits, hallways, and stairways remain clear of clutter. In an emergency, clear pathways can make all the difference.
Report Maintenance Issues Promptly
If you notice plumbing leaks, electrical issues, mold, pest concerns, or anything that may impact your health or safety, contact your landlord immediately. Addressing concerns early can prevent larger problems later.
Grill & Outdoor Safety
As outdoor cooking season begins, remember that grills should never be used indoors or on balconies. Keep grills a safe distance away from buildings and always supervise when in use.
Update Emergency Contacts
Make sure your landlord has current contact information in case of emergency repairs or urgent notifications.
Your safety matters. Taking small steps now can help prevent larger issues later. If you have questions about Housing Choice Voucher program requirements or inspections, please reach out to your Housing Program Specialist.
Community Connect: Supporting Our Community Together
Stay Informed and Save: Energy Assistance and Resources from Ameren
Managing your energy bills can sometimes feel overwhelming, but Ameren Missouri offers a variety of programs and resources to help residents stay comfortable, safe, and informed.
Energy Assistance Programs
Ameren provides support for qualifying households through programs like LIHEAP and Ameren’s own bill assistance initiatives. These programs can help make energy costs more manageable, especially during the colder months.
Did you know St. Louis County’s outdoor warning sirens don’t always sound countywide anymore? 🌪️
As of September 1, 2025, St. Louis County upgraded the outdoor warning siren system to a zone-based activation system. That means sirens no longer sound countywide for every warning.
🌪 What does that mean for you?
📍 Sirens now sound by zone
The County is divided into North, Central, and South zones. If severe weather threatens your zone, the sirens will sound there. If you don’t hear sirens, your area may not be included in the warning.
⚡ Faster, automated alerts
When the National Weather Service issues a tornado warning that intersects a zone, sirens automatically activate in the impacted area.
🎯 More accurate warnings
This targeted approach helps reduce unnecessary siren activations and keeps alerts focused where the actual threat exists.
🔊 Important reminder:
Outdoor warning sirens are designed to alert people who are outside. Always have multiple ways to receive weather alerts, like NOAA Weather Radio, emergency alerts on your phone, or local media.
✔ If you hear a siren — take shelter immediately and seek more information.
📅 Sirens are still tested county wide on the first Monday of each month (weather permitting).
Updates & Announcements
The County Housing office is open and available to serve you! Our lobby is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. We recommend scheduling an appointment in advance if you wish to meet with your Housing Program Specialist to ensure they are available to assist you.
HAP Payment Schedule
The Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) schedule outlines when payments are issued to landlords each month. We encourage landlords and participants to review the schedule to better plan for upcoming payments and avoid confusion. The most up-to-date HAP payment schedule is available on our website.
Keep Your Contact Information Up to Date
Staying connected is important! If your phone number or email address changes, please be sure to update your contact information with us as soon as possible so you don’t miss important updates about your housing assistance.
You can update your information by contacting your Housing Program Specialist directly—use our new Lookup Tool if you’re unsure who to reach out to—or by emailing us at voucher@countyhousing.org.
Thank you for helping us keep your information current!
County Housing 2026 Holiday Schedule
- Memorial Day – Monday, May 25, 2026
- 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.
