The Santa Cruz County Census Complete Count Committee is ramping up outreach efforts this month in a final sprint to the Sept. 30 deadline to make sure all community members are counted. The deadline is Sept. 30 and can be filled out online at 2020Census.gov or by phone using 844-330-2020.
Every uncounted person translates into a loss of $2,000 in revenue per year over ten years. Over the next decade, even a five percent undercount means $272 million in lost funding locally.
“Responding to the Census is more important than ever for Santa Cruz County because having a full and accurate count of residents is critical for emergency response and recovery,” said Greg Caput, chairman of the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors. “Data from the 2020 Census will provide baseline numbers not only for funding of federal disaster relief, but also support for preparation, rescue coordination and where resources are deployed over the long term.”
Outreach efforts led by the Complete Count Committee include:
In-Person Assistance
Community members can visit locations and receive help taking the Census:
- Wednesday, Sept. 9: Nueva Vista Food Distribution━2:30 p.m. – 5 p.m.
- Thursday, Sept. 10: Encompass Community Services━Noon – 4 p.m.
- Friday, Sept. 11: Second Harvest Food Bank at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk━9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Riverside Ave. Bridge Project
In Santa Cruz, the bridge at Riverside Ave. received a Census-style makeover. Passersby on foot, bike and by car will learn about its importance. Messaging is featured in both English and Spanish.
Farmworker Outreach
The Watsonville Census team will continue to connect with farmworkers on the importance of everyone being counted.
Watsonville Farmers Market
Team members will be at the Watsonville Farmers Market through the end of September. The market opens every Friday at 2 p.m. Those with questions about the Census are invited to stop by and learn more.
For information on the U.S. Census, go to 2020Census.gov. For information on organizing efforts, go to www.santacruzcountycounts.us or find updates on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.