KANKAKEE, Ill. (August 26, 2020) – As the census end date of September 30, 2020 grows closer, the City of Kankakee will be hosting multiple “Census Pop-Up Parties” and tables around the community in every ward. At each pop-up party or table location, there will be direct assistance available which offers residents the opportunity to take the census within their own neighborhoods. Some pop-ups are in partnership with existing local events while others are in parking lots that will include giveaways, a DJ, snacks, and more! To see a list of all locations, dates, and times, please see the attached flyer. Social distancing guidelines will apply.

 

“I would like to thank everyone who has taken the 2020 Census so far while we continue to work on completing an accurate count. We will continue to modify our practices and outreach during the COVID-19 pandemic to make sure our community is working together toward an accurate count,” said Mayor Wells-Armstrong.

 

As of August 25, 2020, the City of Kankakee only has 55.8 percent of response rates. It is crucial the City continues to increase its census count to help make sure it receives the right amount of federal funding which impacts the community in areas such as education, housing assistance, public transportation, infrastructure, and more. It takes less than 10 minutes to complete the census and all answers are confidential with the Census Bureau.

 

“We’re going up in the right direction, but just not fast enough with only a little over a month left,” said Barbi Brewer-Watson, Executive Director of the Economic and Community Development Agency. “We need everyone’s help to encourage their friends and neighbors to take the census or to join us at one of these census events.”

 

Please be sure you are following the City of Kankakee on social media for frequent census updates and share these events with your own neighborhoods and friends. The City’s outreach team would like to thank the local organizations who partnered with the City of Kankakee to either host a pop-up party in their parking lot or have a census table at their event: Kankakee School District #111, Kankakee Valley Park District, St. Rose of Lima Chapel, St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, the Pregnancy Resource Center, the Greater Kankakee Black Chamber of Commerce, AMITA  St. Mary’s Hospital RX Mobile Program team, and the 1st Ward community event team.

 

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About the Economic and Community Development Agency (ECDA):

The Kankakee Economic and Community Development (ECDA) is a local government agency whose mission is to improve the lives of Kankakee residents and enhance the economic vitality of communities through housing, economic development and community development. The ECDA administers programs that serve the neighborhoods and residents of the City of Kankakee provided by federal, state and local funding. For more information, contact ECDA at 815-933-0506, Monday – Friday between 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visit our website at https://ecda.citykankakee-il.gov/.

 

About the City of Kankakee, Illinois:

The City of Kankakee is dedicated to protecting, building and nurturing the community while enhancing lives. We are a historic, vibrant and active riverfront community. We continue to transform into an extraordinary place to dream, grow and thrive. Embracing our diversity, we strive to be progressive, inclusive and innovative. For more information on the City of Kankakee, please visit the website at www.citykankakee-il.gov.

 

 

Download the Press Release - City of Kankakee to Host Census Pop-Up Parties and Tables Around Community to Complete the Count