U.S. Census Gearing Up for Campaign Blitz

Census workers are busy in the east valley, finding out who’s mailed in their census questionnaires.

Saturday, they’ll be part of a nationwide army of workers and volunteers urging people to “March to the Mailbox.”

“For those who are still holding onto it, for whatever reason forgot to mail it in. Just a friendly reminder to mail it back in as soon as possible,” said Martha Rivas, a Census Partner coordinator.

The campaign is meant to reach communities with low response rates. As of Wednesday, the entire Coachella Valley was hovering around a 55 percent response rate, with Coachella only at 47 percent.

Locally, the campaign will cover Coachella, Thermal and Mecca. Even though Desert Hot Springs’ numbers are lower census workers said. And that has some residents feeling left out.

“It’s very concerning. You’d think you’d want to give quality to both areas,” said Tanya Hayden, a Desert Hot Springs resident.

“We have monthly drop-offs of parolees. We have high crime and gang areas. We have poverty here as well, and perhaps those who aren’t documented, too,” said Sky Valley resident Norene Churchwell. “And yet, we don’t seem to be extending the same type of effort on this end of the valley.”

While the campaign has been in the works for months, Marta Rivas with the census said it was only this week when the decision was made to focus on the east valley, in an effort to help break down barriers.

“There may be some issues we face in terms of fear among the community, having a government document solicit information. So as a team, we’re trying to overcome some of that fear,” said Rivas.

People are being reminded to get their questionnaires in by April 20, if they do not want a census taker knocking on their doors next month.