Census 2020 Operations Have Been Shortened By One Month

Westchester County has been notified that the U.S. Census Bureau will be halting Census 2020 efforts one month early, with operations concluding on September 30. With the new timeframe restrictions in place, it is more important now than ever that all Westchester County families fill out their Census forms. During a normal Census, the Census Bureau recruits thousands of people across the country to do field work beginning in mid-May through July 31, a total of 2 ½ months. With the 2020 Census timeframe being cut short one month early, Census workers will now only have 1 ½ months in the field. There are an estimated 370,000 housing units in Westchester from single family homes to accessory apartments, to multi-family buildings. At the current reporting of approximately 64% of households already counted, there are still over 130,000 housing units that have not yet had their residents counted. The impact of this is significant because the Census Bureau estimates that every resident not counted is a loss of approximately $2500 per year to local governments. This translates to a $1 Million loss for every 400 households each year. It really is crucial that all Westchester County families participate in the Census. Most recently, with funding for COVID-19 relief based on Census population data, the County needs accurate numbers to ensure funding for health care, schools, road repairs and many other programs. The Census Bureau will not ask for any citizenship information and you can complete the Census in just minutes. To help ensure an accurate count, the Census Bureau will have staff enumerators start knocking on doors of households that have not yet responded to the Census, beginning Thursday, August 6. Please ask to see the official ID badge of any individual who knocks at your door, or you can confirm a Census taker’s identity by calling 1-844-330-2020. The Census enumerators will follow all Center for Disease Control COVID-19 protocols, including wearing masts and will keep a safe distance, but can assist any household with completing the Census. To find out more, visit www.2020Census.gov