Mayor Purzycki, President Shabazz Encourage Residents To Be Counted

From the City of Wilmington:

April 1 2020

Even during a crisis, the Census is important; April 1st is National Census Day; for the first time in history, the census can be completed by phone or online at my2020census.gov

Mayor Mike Purzycki and City Council President Hanifa Shabazz said today that even during a crisis, we all need to be aware of the importance of the National Census and participate. Today is National Census Day and the Mayor and Council President are encouraging everyone to participate in the 2020 Census, the 24th census in U.S. history.

“Throughout history, the importance of counting all residents in the national census has been proven over and over again, and I urge all City residents to participate and be counted this year,” said Mayor Purzycki. “If we don’t get counted, we don’t get funded and programs that our City and you as residents depend on could lose funding. It really is that simple. You must be counted, so please complete the census today.”

Starting this year, in addition to filling out the paper census form that the Census Bureau began mailing out in mid-March, residents have the option of participating via phone by calling 844.330.2020, or online by visiting my2020census.gov.

“The data gathered helps create jobs, provide housing, prepare for emergencies, build roads, schools, and hospitals, and is used to determine how many seats the state of Delaware will have in Congress,” the Mayor continued.

“In 2010 Delaware was undercounted, resulting in our communities losing millions of dollars each year, said Council President Shabazz. “It’s vitally important, therefore, that we come together and ensure that the City has an accurate population count so we receive the funding needed for the programs and services our residents need.”

Every 10 years the U.S. Census determines the course of over $3 billion dollars in federal funding to states and local communities across the country. These funds are distributed based on the number of residents that respond to the Census, and are used for services that impact the residents of Wilmington, such as:

• Medicare and Medicaid
• Head Start
• Low Income Home Energy Assistance (LIHEAP)
• Free breakfast and lunch for schoolchildren
• After-school Programs
• Section 8 vouchers
• Senior Centers
• Purchase of Care
• Special Education Programs

For more information visit census.delaware.gov/.

This press release was produced by the City of Wilmington. The views expressed here are the author’s own.