October 29, 2024

The Voucher Voice

October 2024 Housing Choice Voucher Program Resident Newsletter

CEO Message – Listening and Leading
Feature Story – Revitalizing Our Community: The Transformation of Wellington Family Homes
Safe & Sound
Community Conn ect
Fair Housing Fact
HUD Resources for HCV Tenants
Updates and Announcements – Admin Plan Updated and Understanding Small Area Fair Market Rents (SAFMRs)

CEO Message

Listening and Leading

Dear Residents,

I’m excited to welcome you to the first edition of our County Housing resident newsletter. As we continue our mission of providing safe, affordable housing for families throughout St. Louis County, it’s important to me that we create open lines of communication and keep you informed about the work we’re doing to support our communities.

Over the past few months, we’ve been working on some exciting developments that will directly benefit you, our valued residents. From new safety initiatives designed to enhance your living experience to upcoming community events that will bring us all closer together, there’s a lot to look forward to.

One of the key focuses of our team is ensuring that your homes are not just places to live but thriving environments where you feel supported and connected. This newsletter is one way we aim to foster that connection, providing you with the latest updates, helpful resources, and stories from your fellow residents.

In this issue, you’ll find important information on safety in your homes, upcoming maintenance tips, and updates on current projects and initiatives. We also want to hear from you—your feedback and suggestions are invaluable as we strive to meet your needs and improve our services. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us with any questions or concerns; we are here to help.

As we move forward, I want to emphasize that you are at the heart of everything we do at County Housing. Your well-being is our top priority, and we are committed to working tirelessly to create safe, welcoming, and vibrant communities for you and your families.

Thank you for being a part of County Housing. Together, we’re building a brighter future for everyone.

Warm regards,

Shannon Koenig
CEO, County Housing

Feature Story

Revitalizing Our Community: The Transformation of Wellington Family Homes

County Housing is proud to share the remarkable journey of the Wellington Family Homes development in Wellston, a project that epitomizes our mission to provide safe, affordable housing while strengthening the communities we serve. What once seemed like a daunting challenge has blossomed into a beacon of hope and renewal for hundreds of families.

A Community United

The Wellington Family Homes project began as a response to the pressing need for affordable housing in Wellston. Over time, many homes had fallen into disrepair, and the future of the neighborhood looked uncertain. But the spirit of the community remained unbroken. Residents, local leaders, and County Housing joined forces, determined to preserve the integrity of their neighborhood and provide quality housing for the families who call Wellston home.

The Journey to Renewal

This ambitious $44 million project was not without its challenges. With nearly 200 homes slated for renovation, the work required extensive planning, collaboration, and a commitment to overcoming obstacles. Our team worked tirelessly to ensure that the renovated homes would meet the highest standards of safety and comfort, while also preserving the unique character of the Wellston community.

Today, we are thrilled to report that the first families have begun moving into their newly renovated homes. The homes have been updated with modern amenities, energy-efficient systems, and safety features, all designed to ensure long-term sustainability.

Looking Forward

The completion of the Wellington Family Homes project is a testament to what can be achieved when a community comes together with a shared vision. It is also a powerful reminder of County Housing’s ongoing commitment to creating and maintaining affordable housing in St. Louis. As we look to the future, we remain dedicated to supporting the residents of Wellston and other communities across the region.

This project is just one example of the positive impact we strive to make every day. Through partnerships, innovation, and a deep commitment to our mission, County Housing will continue to build a brighter, more equitable future for all residents of St. Louis.

Join the waitlist for Wellington Family Homes!

We’re excited to announce that there are currently spots available on our waitlist for Wellington Family Homes! If you or someone you know is seeking safe and affordable housing in a supportive community, we invite you to take the first step by joining our waitlist.

To join the waitlist and learn more about our housing options, please visit https://www.wellingtonfamilyhomes.com/.

Safe and Sound

Enhancing Resident Safety Across County Housing

At County Housing, our top priority is ensuring the safety and well-being of our residents. We’re committed to creating secure living environments and empowering our community with the tools and knowledge needed to stay safe.

October is Fire Prevention Month!

Ensuring your home is prepared for emergencies is crucial. We encourage all residents to ensure your home is safe. Be sure to check that smoke detectors are in working order, have fire escape plans, and be sure to have a fire extinguisher readily available. Keeping your home safe means being proactive and informed.

Here are a few fire safety tips:

Keep flammable materials away from heat sources and open flames.
Don’t overload electrical outlets and extension cords, and regularly inspect and maintain electrical systems and appliances.
Have a working fire extinguisher on every level of your home, especially the kitchen, and keep it within reach.
Test your fire and carbon monoxide detectors.
Eliminate clutter, which can become a fuel source in a fire and restrict access to emergency equipment and exit routes.

Residential cooking fires are one of the leading causes of home fires and preventing them is a top priority for all of us. To support this effort, we’ve highlighted three key safety tips that are essential for preventing kitchen fires:

Top 3 Residential Cooking Safety Tips

Stay in the Kitchen: It’s important to never leave cooking food unattended. If you need to step away, even for a short time, be sure to turn off the stove to prevent accidents.
Keep Flammable Items Away: Make sure that towels, potholders, and other flammable items are kept well away from the stove and other heat sources to avoid the risk of fire.
Use a Timer: Always use a timer to remind yourself that you’re cooking, especially when simmering, baking, or roasting. It’s an easy way to stay mindful and prevent fires from starting.

Protect Yourself from Scams: Tips for County Housing Residents

Unfortunately, scammers are becoming increasingly creative in their attempts to trick residents. It’s important to stay vigilant and know the signs of a scam to protect yourself and your personal information. Here are some key tips to help you avoid being scammed:

Verify Who You’re Communicating With
Scammers may pretend to be County Housing employees by creating fake email addresses or using our email signatures. Always ensure you are communicating directly with us:
- Official Emails: Our staff will only contact you from official County Housing email addresses, ending in “@countyhousing.org.”
- No Gmail Accounts: We will never use Gmail or other free email services to reach out. If you receive an email from a suspicious address like “nicoleacountyhousing@gmail.com,” do not respond.
We Never Collect Security Deposits
County Housing will never ask you for a security deposit or handle security deposits on behalf of any landlord. If someone claiming to be from County Housing asks for a deposit, it’s a scam. Always verify payment requests directly with your caseworker through official channels.
Double-Check Unusual Requests
If you receive unexpected or suspicious requests for money, personal information, or payment details, don’t hesitate to double-check with your HCV Caseworker or contact our office directly. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.
Report Suspicious Activity
If you think you’ve been contacted by a scammer, report it immediately to your caseworker or our main office. By alerting us, we can take steps to protect others in our community from falling victim.

Your safety is our top priority. Stay informed, stay alert, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns about potential scams.

Reporting and Support

Your safety is our concern. If you notice anything unusual or have safety-related questions, don’t hesitate to reach out. Our team is here to support you and address any concerns you may have. Remember, safety is a shared responsibility, and together, we can ensure that our community remains a Safe & Sound place to live.

Thank you for being an active part of our community and for helping us keep County Housing a safe and welcoming environment for everyone.

Stay safe and sound!

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 tools and information you need. Together, we can continue to build a thriving community where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.

Need Help with Utility Bills?

If you or someone you know is a senior, physically disabled adult, or a low-to-moderate income individual or family in need of utility assistance, help is available. HeatUpStLouis.org offers support for those facing financial or medical hardships.

You do not need a disconnection notice. But you must follow the instructions and provide proof of income. Also continue to check their website for our newest location for those who are not mobile, tablet, laptop, or desktop savvy.

To request assistance, visit HeatUpStLouis.org and select the “Request for Utilities” option. Your information will be kept confidential and used only for energy assistance efforts. The HUSTL utility team will aim to process your request as soon as they possibly can. Do not hesitate to seek the help you need!

Find the Help You Need

If you or someone you know needs food assistance, the St. Louis Area Foodbank offers valuable resources to help you access groceries and meals.

To find support near you:

Visit stlfoodbank.org/find-food
Use the “Find a Food Pantry” tool to locate nearby pantries for groceries.
Check the “Visit a Food Distribution Event” search to see upcoming events in your area.

Whether you’re in need of immediate assistance or planning ahead, these resources are here to help you and your family.

Fair Housing Fact: Know Your Rights!

Did you know that under the Fair Housing Act, it is illegal to discriminate in housing based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, or familial status? This means landlords and housing providers cannot treat you unfairly because of these characteristics when it comes to renting, buying, or securing a loan for a home.

If you feel your rights have been violated, you can file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Everyone deserves equal access to safe and affordable housing!

Stay informed, know your rights, and protect your housing opportunities!

If you believe you have experienced housing discrimination, it’s important to take action. You can file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to report any violations of your rights. To learn more about the process and submit your complaint, visit HUD’s Fair Housing page. Remember, everyone deserves equal access to safe and affordable housing, so stay informed and advocate for your rights!

HUD Posts Resources for HCV Tenants

On the HUD Exchange Resource Library webpage, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has posted the following resources for Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) tenants:

For additional resources and information that support both Public Housing and HCV tenants, visit the Tenant Empowerment webpage.

Updates and Announcements

Admin Plan

County Housing’s Administrative Plan can be found on our website, as we continue to make updates to ensure alignment with HUD, residents are encouraged to review the plan to stay informed about our policies and procedures. You can access it at countyhousing.org.

Understanding Small Area Fair Market Rents (SAFMRs)

Starting in January 2025, County Housing will begin using Small Area Fair Market Rents (SAFMRs) set by HUD. Unlike traditional Fair Market Rents, which are determined for the entire St. Louis metropolitan area, SAFMRs are based on specific ZIP codes.

This change helps ensure that rental assistance is better aligned with local market conditions, making it easier for voucher holders to find affordable housing in a variety of neighborhoods, including high-opportunity areas.

The amount of rent County Housing can pay may vary depending on a property’s location, and we will provide more information soon about what this means for our residents.

To learn more about Small Area Fair Market Rents, you can access the article on our website at https://countyhousing.org/safmr.