April 2025 Housing Choice Voucher Program Resident Newsletter
Table of Contents:
- CEO Message – Listening and Leading
- Feature Story – Understanding SEMAP: What It Means for Your Housing Choice Voucher Program
- Safe & Sound – Spring Safety Tips for Your Home
- Community Connect
- HAP Payment Policy Reminder
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 SEMAP: What It Means for Your Housing Choice Voucher Program
The Section Eight Management Assessment Program (SEMAP) is an important tool that helps ensure Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) programs are operating effectively. But what exactly is SEMAP, and how does it impact you as a resident?
What is SEMAP?
SEMAP is a system used by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to assess the performance of public housing agencies (PHAs) that administer the Housing Choice Voucher program. It measures how well PHAs manage the program and ensure that families receive safe, decent, and affordable housing.
How is SEMAP Scored?
SEMAP uses 14 performance indicators to evaluate housing agencies. These indicators look at factors such as:
- Properly determining family eligibility and income
- Ensuring timely and accurate rent calculations
- Conducting required housing inspections
- Expanding housing choices for voucher holders
- Managing program finances responsibly
Based on these indicators, PHAs receive a rating of High Performer, Standard Performer, or Troubled. A strong SEMAP score means the PHA is effectively managing the voucher program and providing quality housing options.
How Does SEMAP Affect You?
A well-performing PHA means better service for residents. A high SEMAP score indicates that:
- Inspections and rent adjustments are processed efficiently
- Your rights as a voucher holder are protected
- More landlords are encouraged to participate in the program, expanding your housing options
If a PHA has a low SEMAP score, it may need to make improvements to ensure residents receive the best possible service. HUD may provide additional oversight and support to help the agency meet required standards.
What Can You Do?
As a resident, you can help support a strong HCV program by:
- Reporting any maintenance or safety concerns in your unit
- Providing accurate and timely information for income and household updates
- Attending briefings and responding to requests from the housing authority
By working together, we can ensure that the Housing Choice Voucher program remains a reliable resource for families in our community. If you have any questions about SEMAP or your housing benefits, don’t hesitate to reach out to your local housing authority for more information!
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.
Updates & Announcements
Unlock Your Future with the FSS Program!
Imagine achieving your biggest goals; whether it’s buying a car, improving your credit, graduating from school, or landing your dream job. The Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program can help you get there — and reward you financially along the way!
Here’s how it works:
Set Your Own Goals:
With the support of your FSS Coordinator, you’ll create a 5-year plan tailored to your dreams. Whether you’re saving for a big purchase, working toward a degree, or aiming for a better job, the choice is yours — and your goals can be adjusted anytime during the program.
Earn Money While You Achieve:
As your earned income increases, money is deposited into a special escrow account just for you. At the end of the 5 years, if you’ve met your goals, are employed, and no longer receive TANF, you’ll receive a check for the full amount you’ve earned — with no strings attached on how you can spend it!
Support Every Step of the Way:
Your FSS Coordinator will be there to guide you, offering resources for job training, education programs, and other opportunities to help you succeed.
Stay Tuned for Your Chance to Join!
While the FSS Program waiting list is currently closed, we’re excited to announce that it will be reopening later this year! We’ll be sure to notify you as soon as it opens, so you won’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to achieve your goals and build a brighter future.
Keep an eye out for updates — your journey to success could be just around the corner!
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!
