Queens Daily Eagle: Queens Community Groups Make Connections Through Census Count

Queens Daily Eagle: Queens Community Groups Make Connections Through Census Count | May 2021: 

New York may have lost a Congressional seat following the tallying of the 2020 Census, but the community groups in Queens who were faced with the daunting task of getting historically underrepresented communities counted say they gained something in the process. 

While the results were unfortunate the organizations went all out to ensure those who are typically overlooked were seen, they said. In the end, connections with the community were made that will outlast the Census counting processes. 

The Queens Community House got an early start and began its Census work in 2019, long before the complications of a pandemic would force them to adapt. Its Meals on Wheels and food pantry programs evolved to fulfill two responsibilities; providing food to communities in need and utilizing modern technology through a partnership with the Census Bureau to encourage people to self-respond to the nationwide count. 

“[Between 20 and 40] people a week were filling out the Census as they waited on line for the pantry,” said Anna Moyano, the Director of Community Building at QCH.

Click here for the full article.