As of May 10, only 47.8 percent of Bronx households have responded to the 2020 Census. If the trend holds, the Bronx stands to lose millions of dollars in funding for our essential services, just at the moment when we’re all relying on them the most.

 

If we don’t fight forces that prevent a full count, our funding for schooling, housing, and hospitals is at risk.

 

The census shapes the funding we get for our public services, and the more of us are counted, the more funding we get. That’s critical money for our hospitals, health care, emergency services, schools, housing, senior centers, and so many more programs that we’re all relying on.

 

Luckily, we have the power to change this, because it’s never been easier to be counted. The 2020 Census is shorter and easier than ever — the form is only about 10 questions, and takes less than 10 minutes to complete. It’s also more accessible than ever. All you need is your address, and you can fill out the census online at my2020census.gov or by calling 1-844-330-2020 to complete it in English.

 

Not your style? Don’t worry, you can still fill out the paper form the old-fashioned way. The best part? This census is available in 13 languages, and the Census Bureau has even published video guides to walk you through every question in a total of 59 languages.

 

The census isn’t just easy and important — it’s also safe. The census is protected by a federal law called Title 13, which makes it unlike any other government form you fill out. It means that all the information you share in the census is safe, it can’t be used against you, and is completely confidential. Really, nobody can get your information from the Census Bureau — not your landlord, not the police, not the FBI, not even the President.

 

Finally, the census is for everyone. Young and old, owners and renters, citizens and non-citizens. No matter who you are, where you’re from, how you live, or what language you speak, everyone has a right to be counted in the census. And our communities need every one of us counted. So if they live in your household — no matter if or how you’re related — they must be counted on your form.

 

As we grapple with COVID-19, the 2020 Census is one easy step we can all take to help support a better future for our communities, for the Bronx, and for NYC as a whole. So, while we give thanks to the essential workers supporting all of us through these hard times, let’s show our appreciation by making sure they have the funding and the resources they need.

 

Fill out the census, spread the word, and do your part to help your community thrive for years to come. We only have one chance to get it right — let’s make it count.