Dear Families and Neighbors:
It is NOT too late to respond to the 2020 Census!
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the self-response period for the 2020 Census has been extended to at least the end of September. That means you can still fill out your 2020 Census form online, by phone or by mail on your own. Although Census workers will begin home visits in mid-August, a Census worker will not come to your home if you self-respond now.
One thing the coronavirus has taught us is the absolute necessity for a complete Census count. A correct population count is important, especially in New Mexico, Valencia County and the extremely hard to count tracts in our region, including Northern Socorro counties. You might not realize it, but the allocation and distribution of supplies and money to fight the current pandemic has been affected by the results of the 2010 Census. The 2010 Census undercounted New Mexicans by more than 10 percent. Our area of Valencia and Socorro counties was undercounted by more than 30 percent in 2010. That undercount has reduced the amount of supplies and funding we are getting to fight COVID-19 by as much as 30 percent. This shortfall has negatively affected efforts to protect our communities from the virus. That’s how important a full count is to your friends, families and neighbors.
The results of the 2020 Census will similarly affect federal funding for our schools, or roads, and even our public health services for the next 10 years. This is not a political issue or a matter of opinion. Responding to the Census is a matter of civic duty to your family and your fellow citizens. It is an easy way to be a good neighbor.
However you choose to fill out your form, we urge you to respond to the 2020 Census. It is only 10 basic questions, there is no citizenship question, and it will only take a few minutes to complete. The online address is: my2020census.gov. The phone number to call in your response is 1 (844) 330-2020 in English, and 1 (844) 468-2020 in Spanish.
The Belen Public Library stands ready to help you. For more information, please call us at (505) 966-2600, or email to dana.bowley@belen-nm.gov. And don’t forget, even though the library is closed, our public Wi-Fi is available for you to use from our parking areas from 6:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Complete the Census on your laptop, tablet or smart device. The password is Guestwifi. We also provide computer use appointments at the library from 10 to 4 Monday through Friday.
Thank you