Indio Launches Mobile Census Aid Site

INDIO —People with questions or concerns regarding the U.S. Census now have the ability to get help and answers at an additional Mobile Questionnaire Assistance (MQA) location launching today, Wednesday, Aug. 26, in this community.

As of Aug.  20, 2020 only 50.3% of Indio households completed their Census forms, with participation lower than 25% in some areas of the city. Although this rate is improved over June, and more than a full percent higher than in July, the city of Indio still has one of the lowest participation rates in the Coachella Valley.

Indio’s complete count ensures accurate census data that is critical for the city’s programs. A complete count will ultimately translate into resources, representation, and economic development such as new roads, housing, schools, and medical opportunities. In fact, every person who fills out the Census form in Indio means an additional $2,000 in federal money provided to Indio to build and maintain roads, provide programs for our area’s youth and seniors, among other important and vital projects. That translates to $20,000 per person in funding for the next 10 years.

COVID-19 is one of several challenges facing Census 2020, but this kind of emergency highlights exactly why the government needs accurate census data. The census shapes decisions about how billions of dollars in federal funds will flow into our community for the next ten years.

This pop-up Census site, located at the AM/PM convenience store at 44333 Golf Center Parkway, will be open from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. Wednesday through Friday (Aug. 26-28) and from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. next Wednesday through Friday (Sept. 2-4).

English and Spanish speaking representatives from the U.S. Census will be on hand at the AM/PM to help people complete and submit the Census in a cool and convenient indoor location, provided by Chandi Group USA.  

Additional MQAs are scheduled to pop-up in Indio in the coming days.  For updated information about these locations, answers to commonly asked questions about participating in the U.S. Census, Indio’s outreach efforts and current participation rate, click here.