Some local organizations are helping to spread the word about the need for a complete census count. Delta Sigma Theta is part of the initiative to get a complete census count. While the local chapter is housed in Friendswood, it has outreach in Pearland, Pasadena and the Bay Area.
"We think that it is important that everyone is counted because the census impacts our representation on the local, state and national level," said Shantel Williams, president of the Bay Area chapter of the Delta Sigma Theta sorority.
Census data is used to determine how $675 billion per year in federal funding is spent. The data factors into redrawing boundaries for congressional and state legislative districts and also helps local governments plan for future community needs, from schools and libraries to emergency services and hospitals.
To educate people on the need to participate, the sorority partnered with U.S. Rep. Sylvia Garcia's office and did a census community engagement event in September. They had also planned an event for late March, which was canceled due to coronavirus concerns.
The virus has made it more challenging to get the word out but has not halted efforts, Williams said.
"That's not going to stop us. We can still bring awareness to the community," she said.
As of April 12, Texas' census self-response rate is 43.7%. Brazoria County and the cities of Friendswood and Pearland have self-response rates higher than the state average. The county has a response rate of 45.1%, while Friendswood and Pearland have response rates of 58.3% and 53.5%, respectively. Galveston County’s self-reported response rate is lower than the state average at 42.5%.
