Message from Commissioner McCosh: Responding to the Census

Dear Disability Community Members, 



I’m writing to you this week with an important message. You may have heard that the US Census Bureau has decided to end the 2020 national census one month short of its original time frame. This means that the last day you will be able to fill out your census form to be counted in the official U.S. 2020 Federal Census is now September 30th, instead of October 31st.



It is very concerning that the federal government has decided to cut out one whole month from the time frame it had originally allotted to allow US Citizens to take part in the 2020 census. This jeopardizes the city’s ability to ensure a full and accurate count of all of its residents. 



As of today, only 53.5 percent of Boston’s households have filled out their census forms, with some neighborhoods lagging far behind.



So I'm writing today to ask you to be sure you’ve done your part! If Boston doesn’t get an accurate count of everyone who lives here, it will affect our representation in Congress as well as redistricting across the city. But more than this, a significant undercount will reduce federal funding for critical programs that supply food, housing, and education throughout our neighborhoods for the next 10 years. This could have a devastating impact on renters, people of color, immigrants, and persons with disabilities. 



This is why Mayor Walsh is once again asking every resident in the city of Boston to fill out their 2020 Census form AS SOON AS POSSIBLE, if you haven’t already done so. 



This year, there are more ways than ever that you can take the census! You can self-respond online (my2020census.gov), or by phone 844-330-2020, and these services are available in 13 different languages. A full list of language access hotlines can be found online. 



There's also a resourceful FAQ page for any questions you may have. In the event you misplaced or never received your census ID, this guide will explain how you can still respond without that piece of information.



As a reminder, the Census Bureau will send staff to your house and attempt to assist your household in-person if you have not yet responded by a certain date. The best way to avoid this visit, should you not want it, is to self-respond immediately. This graphic will help you identify a census worker.



It takes just a few minutes to complete! And please remember, your responses are safe and confidential. You will not be asked about immigration status, and your answers will not affect any public benefits you receive.



If you are interested in getting more involved to help Boston achieve a complete count, you can help in two ways:

• Spread the message digitally. Use our outreach toolkit to share that responding is not only crucial, but it is also safe, easy, and confidential. In the toolkit you will find messaging, sample social media text and graphics, infographic flyers and guides, PSA videos, and additional resources. Much of the content is in six languages. 
• Volunteer to census phone bank with the City of Boston. We are hosting daily phone banks to reach out and encourage households in some of our lowest response neighborhoods. You can do it from your own home and can sign up via this online form.

We want to make sure that everyone gets counted, because in Boston, everyone counts! This is a time to make your voices heard, own your power, fight for your city, and help keep Boston strong for years to come.  



Finally, last week we discussed the hot weather and how to manage the heat while also being safe in regards to COVID-19. It looks like this week will continue to be sunny and hot so please make sure to keep cool and refer to Boston.gov/heat for information and resources.



As always, please feel free to reach out to us if you need assistance. You can dial 311 to reach City Hall, or call us at 617-635-3682. Our email is disability@boston.gov and the latest updates are available at www.boston.gov. 



Until next week, please stay informed, stay safe, and stay cool.



Sincerely,

Commissioner Kristen McCosh