April 2025 Public Housing Resident Newsletter
Table of Contents:
- CEO Message – Listening and Leading
- Feature Story – Understanding PHAS: How Public Housing Agencies Are Evaluated
- Safe & Sound – Spring Safety Tips for Your Home
- Community Connect
- Maintenance Matters
CEO Message
Listening and Leading
At County Housing, we believe that strong communities are built through open communication and mutual respect. As we continue our work to provide safe, affordable housing and essential resources, your voice remains at the heart of everything we do.
Over the past few months, we’ve been actively listening to your concerns, your ideas, and your needs. Whether it’s through resident surveys or direct conversations, your feedback helps shape the way we serve you. From improving maintenance response times to expanding partnerships that bring job training and financial literacy programs to your communities, we are committed to turning your input into action.
Leadership is not just about making decisions, it’s about listening, learning, and working together to create meaningful change. As we move forward, we encourage you to stay engaged, share your thoughts, and connect with us. Your voice matters, and together, we can build stronger, more vibrant communities for everyone.
Thank you for being part of the County Housing community. We look forward to continuing this journey with you.
Shannon Koenig
Executive Director & CEO
County Housing
Feature Story
Understanding PHAS: How Public Housing Agencies Are Evaluated
The Public Housing Assessment System (PHAS) is a key tool used to evaluate the performance of public housing agencies (PHAs) across the country. But what exactly does PHAS measure, and why is it important for residents?
What is PHAS?
PHAS is a system developed by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to assess how well PHAs manage public housing programs. The goal is to ensure that public housing is safe, well-maintained, and properly managed for the benefit of residents.
How is PHAS Scored?
PHAS evaluates PHAs based on four key indicators:
- Physical Condition: Ensures that public housing units and common areas meet safety and quality standards.
- Financial Condition: Measures how well the agency manages its budget and financial resources.
- Management Operations: Reviews administrative practices, lease enforcement, and resident services.
- Capital Fund Program: Assesses how effectively the agency plans and executes improvements to public housing properties.
Based on these indicators, PHAs receive a performance rating of High Performer, Standard Performer, or Troubled. High-performing agencies demonstrate strong management and housing quality, while troubled agencies may require additional HUD oversight and support.
How Does PHAS Affect You?
A strong PHAS score benefits residents by ensuring that:
- Public housing units are well-maintained and safe.
- Financial resources are used efficiently to improve housing conditions.
- Management practices are effective in addressing resident needs.
If a PHA has a low PHAS score, it may need to make improvements to ensure residents receive quality housing and services. HUD may intervene to help struggling agencies meet required standards.
What Can You Do?
Residents play a role in supporting a strong public housing program by:
- Reporting maintenance issues promptly to ensure safe living conditions.
- Participating in resident meetings to share concerns and suggestions.
- Staying informed about housing policies and available resources.
By working together, residents and PHAs can create a better public housing experience for everyone. If you have questions about PHAS or your housing services, reach out to your local housing authority for more information!n!
Safe & Sound
Spring Safety Tips for Your Home
As the weather warms up and we welcome the arrival of spring, it’s a great time to check in on home safety. Changing seasons bring new hazards, from open windows to unpredictable spring storms. Taking a few simple precautions can help keep your home safe and sound this spring.
Window Safety: Keep Kids and Pets Safe
With fresh air comes open windows, but open windows can also pose a fall risk, especially for young children and pets. Keep furniture, beds, and other climbable objects away from windows.
Severe Weather Preparedness: Be Ready for Spring Storms
April often brings strong storms, heavy rain, and even tornadoes. Make sure you know where to go if severe weather hits. If your home has a designated storm shelter or a recommended safe space, take a moment to familiarize yourself with it. Keep an emergency kit stocked with essentials like flashlights, batteries, bottled water, and important documents. If you hear thunder, remember: When thunder roars, go indoors!
Fire Prevention: Safe Grilling and Smoke Alarm Checks
Spring is the perfect time to start grilling again, but safety should always come first. Keep grills at least 10 feet away from buildings, overhangs, and anything flammable. Never leave a grill unattended; keep a fire extinguisher nearby, just in case.
Stay safe, stay prepared, and enjoy the season ahead!
Community Connect
Supporting Our Community Together.
Welcome to “Community Connect,” a section dedicated to supporting our County Housing community together. Here, you’ll find resources, events, and initiatives designed to strengthen our neighborhoods, foster connections, and provide you with the necessary tools and information. Together, we can continue to build a thriving community where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.
Partner Spotlight: Career Training Opportunity
St. Louis Job Corps
Are you or someone you know between the ages of 16 and 24 and looking to start a career? St. Louis Job Corps offers a free training program designed to help young adults build the skills they need for success. This program provides hands-on learning, career development opportunities, and even the chance to earn a high school diploma—all at no cost for eligible students!
Program Benefits:
✔ Open Enrollment – Apply Anytime
✔ Hands-on Training in Various Trades
✔ Career Placement Assistance
✔ Tuition-Free for Eligible Students
✔ On-Site Tours Every Friday at 9:30 AM
📍 Location: 6388 Stratford, St. Louis, MO 63120
Take the next step toward your future—explore the opportunities at St. Louis Job Corps today!
Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) Schedule Policy
County Housing is committed to ensuring timely and consistent Housing Assistance Payments (HAP) to property owners and managers. To support effective planning and maintain transparency, we adhere to the following payment schedule:
Payment Schedule:
- Payments are typically processed on the 1st and 15th of each month.
- If the scheduled payment date falls on a weekend or holiday, payments will be processed on the following business day.
- While payments are processed on schedule, actual deposit dates may vary based on bank processing times.
Important Notes:
- Property owners and managers should allow for standard banking timelines when expecting their payment.
We value your partnership and dedication to providing safe, quality housing for our community.r running exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathroom to remove excess moisture and improve air circulation. If you use a space heater, make sure it’s vented properly and keep it away from fabrics or flammable materials.
Maintenance Matters
Spring Showers & Warmer Weather: Preparing Your Home for the Season
As we welcome spring, it’s important to make sure your home is ready for the changing weather. April often brings heavy rains, rising temperatures, and an increase in pests, all of which can impact your living space. Here are a few maintenance tips to help keep your home comfortable, safe, and in great shape this season.
Prevent Water Damage from Spring Rains
Spring showers are great for plants, but they can cause issues if water finds its way into your home. Be sure to check around windows and doors for leaks and report any water damage or mold concerns to the maintenance team as soon as possible. If you have a basement or lower-level unit, consider keeping valuable items off the floor in case of unexpected leaks.
Get Your A/C Ready for Warmer Days
Temperatures will start rising, so now is the perfect time to test your air conditioning. If you notice that your unit isn’t cooling properly, submit a maintenance request early, before the summer heat arrives. Regular maintenance can help keep your A/C running efficiently, ensuring you stay comfortable as the weather warms up.
Keep Pests Out This Spring
Warmer temperatures bring more unwanted guests: pests like ants, roaches, and rodents. Keep your home pest-free by sealing up food, taking out the trash regularly, and reporting any leaks or maintenance issues that could attract bugs. If you notice signs of a pest problem, don’t wait; submit a maintenance request as soon as possible.
Need Help? Submit a Maintenance Request
If you notice any leaks, pest issues, or A/C problems, don’t wait; submit a maintenance request as soon as possible. Taking care of small concerns now can help prevent bigger problems later!
Stay proactive and enjoy a safe, comfortable home this spring!
Updates & Announcements
County Housing 2025 Holiday Office Closures
Please be aware that County Housing will be closed on the following holidays in 2025:
- Memorial Day – Monday, May 26
- 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!
