June 2026 Housing Choice Voucher Program Resident Newsletter
Table of Contents:
CEO Message – Listening and Leading
Feature Story – Stay Connected: Keep Your Contact Information Up to Date
Safe & Sound – Summer Safety for Your Home
Community Connect – Discover More with St. Louis County Library
CEO Message
Listening and Leading
Dear Residents,
At the heart of everything we do is a commitment to listen, learn, and improve. Your experiences, feedback, and ideas help shape how we serve you and how we grow as an organization.
Over the past several months, we’ve made a focused effort to hear directly from our Housing Choice Voucher families. Whether through conversations with staff, survey responses, or community interactions, your voices have provided valuable insight into what’s working well and where we can do better.
One thing we’ve heard clearly is the importance of communication, knowing what to expect, when to expect it, and where to go for help. In response, we are working to make our processes more transparent and easier to navigate. From improving how we share updates to simplifying forms and procedures, our goal is to reduce confusion and make your experience smoother.
We’ve also heard the challenges many families face in today’s housing market. Finding safe, affordable housing can be difficult, and we understand the stress that can come with that process. We are continuing to strengthen our partnerships with landlords and explore ways to expand housing opportunities for our participants.
This is an ongoing journey. Listening doesn’t stop, it’s something we are committed to doing every day. As we move forward, we will continue using your feedback to guide our decisions and improve our programs.
Thank you for your partnership, your patience, and your willingness to share your experiences with us. Together, we are building a stronger, more responsive program for everyone.
Warmly,
Shannon Koenig
Executive Director & CEO
County Housing
Feature Story
Stay Connected: Keep Your Contact Information Up to Date
Staying connected with our team is one of the most important ways to protect your housing assistance. When your contact information is up to date, we can quickly reach you with important updates, reminders, and time-sensitive information related to your voucher.
Why It Matters
We regularly send out important notices about:
- Annual recertifications and required paperwork
- Appointment scheduling and deadlines
- Changes to your benefits or program requirements
- Inspections and other time-sensitive updates
If we’re unable to reach you because your phone number or email address has changed, you could miss critical deadlines that may impact your assistance.
When Should You Update Your Information?
Please notify us right away if you’ve had any changes to:
- Your phone number
- Your email address
- Your mailing address
Even small changes can make a big difference in ensuring you receive the information you need, when you need it.
How to Update Your Information
Updating your contact information is quick and easy:
Reach out directly to your Housing Program Specialist
Not sure who your specialist is? Use our Lookup Tool to find the right contact
- Or email us at voucher@countyhousing.org for assistance
We’re Here to Help
Our goal is to make sure you stay informed and supported throughout your time in the program. Keeping your contact information current helps us serve you better and avoid unnecessary disruptions.
Stay connected. Stay informed. Stay on track.
Thank you for helping us keep your information up to date!
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 your property owner 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!
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.
Updates & Announcements
🔍 Find Your Housing Program Specialist
We would like to remind you about our 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.
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.
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.
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.
