It’s in Our Hands: 2010 Census City of West Chicago Provides “Be Counted Centers” to Offer Questionnaire Assistance

West Chicago, IL – March 15, 2010 – (RealEstateRama) — The 2010 Census will document the changes in our nation since the last decennial census in 2000, and tell us how we’ve evolved as a country. Because census data affect how more than $400 billion per year in federal funding is distributed to tribal, state and local governments, the census also will frame the future of our country for the next 10 years. It is vital that everyone in the United States be counted in 2010.

At the heart of the 2010 Census outreach effort is the 10-question 2010 Census form. The 2010 Census form is one of the shortest census forms in history and takes about 10 minutes to complete. Households will be asked to provide key demographic information, including: whether a housing unit is rented or owned; the address of the residence; and the names, genders, ages, races and relationships of others living in the household.

By law, the Census Bureau cannot share respondents’ answers with anyone, including other federal agencies and law enforcement entities. All Census Bureau employees take an oath of nondisclosure and are sworn for life to protect the confidentiality of the data. The penalty for unlawful disclosure is a fine of up to $250,000 or imprisonment of up to five years, or both.

Households across the country will receive the form by mail or hand delivery. The initial form package, which will consist of the initial 2010 Census form, a cover letter, and a postage-paid return envelope will be delivered in March 2010. Responding immediately to the 2010 Census form is the most efficient way to complete the census. Census workers will visit households that do not return the forms to take a count in person.

As a Census Bureau partner, the City of West Chicago encourages its residents and businesses to participate in the 2010 Census and let the country know what the community needs for the next 10 years. If for some reason residents do not receive a form, or if someone needs a questionnaire in one of the 5 available non-English languages, they should visit a Be Counted Center. The following Be Counted Centers will also offer questionnaire assistance by a Census employee up to 15 hours per week: Wayne Township Office (27W031 North Avenue), Main Park Neighborhood Resource Center (809 Main Street), Westwood Neighborhood Resource Center (1209 Kings Circle) and Riverwoods Neighborhood Resource Center (801 Lorlyn Drive). For more details or a schedule for the Be Counted Centers, contact the Social Services Office at (630) 876-8164.

West Chicago is the one of the fastest-growing cities in DuPage County in the western suburbs of Chicago, Illinois. With a current population of more than 25,000, West Chicago is a diverse, family-oriented community with a rich cultural mix and a proud heritage. West Chicago is the first Illinois community established by the railroads and continues to be a convenient transportation hub served by three major rail lines, Illinois’ third-busiest airport and three state highways. West Chicago offers award-winning schools, a growing industrial park and convenient access to parks, shopping and restaurants. Additional information can be found on the city’s website at www.westchicago.org or by calling Rosemary Mackey directly at (630) 293-2200 x 139.

Contact:
Rosemary Mackey
(630) 293-2200 ext. 139
rmackey (at) westchicago (dot) org