The National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO) Educational Fund today released a statement from CEO Arturo Vargas on the Census Bureau’s decision to suspend its field operations for an additional two weeks amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) situation:

“NALEO Educational Fund supports the Census Bureau’s decision to suspend field operations for an additional two weeks (April 15, 2020) so that it can comply with rapidly evolving public health directives. We know the Census Bureau remains steadfast in its dedication to conducting a full and accurate count, and we continue to monitor its efforts to fulfill that mission while protecting the health and safety of all residents.

“During this period, Americans from coast-to-coast are grappling with the realities of this public health crisis. We applaud the Census Bureau for acknowledging the difficulties many Americans are facing at this time and are encouraged by the actions the agency has undertaken to adapt its public advertising campaign messaging to reflect the current situation.

“As the Census Bureau continues to adapt to the many challenges brought on by COVID-19, a large network of organizations and stakeholders, including NALEO Educational Fund, are working tirelessly to support the Bureau’s efforts to ensure a successful census. Right now, the easiest way Latinos and all Americans can support this important cause is by making sure they are counted now through self-response online, by phone, or by mail.

“Emergencies like the COVID-19 pandemic are precisely why our government needs accurate census data. We must all do our part by making sure we self-respond and encourage others in our networks to do so as well.”

Residents can self-respond to the census online at https://my2020census.gov/ or over the phone in English by dialing 844-330-2020 or in Spanish at 844-468-2020. Individuals will begin to receive paper forms in the mail on April 8, 2020.

Individuals with questions about the census can call NALEO Educational Fund’s toll-free national census bilingual hotline at 877-EL-CENSO (877-352-3676) – Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m.– 8:30 p.m. ET to get additional information.

For partners to stay up to date on tools to continue to get out the count in Latino communities during these trying times, they can visit: www.hagasecontar.org/resources or text CENSUS to 97779 or subscribe to our e-mail list here.