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I N F O R M AT I O N
B U L L E T I N
Voice of the Fields California
June 2020
FREE
COVID-19 Updates
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HE CURRENT PANDEMIC has brought with it a heavy feeling of uncertainty for many families across the United States. Between stay at home orders, empty grocery store shelves, and limited in-person interactions, we are all coping with a new normal and wondering if life will ever go back to the way it was. But despite statewide stay-at-home orders and mass closures of “non-essential” businesses, California farmworkers are still working hard to provide produce and food security for one-third of the country. Agricultural workers perform one of the most essential duties of the workforce by feeding the nation and still have to cope with the challenges of having children who are out of school, health risks associated in agriculture during a pandemic, and economic challenges caused by COVID-19. All of these stressors put massive pressure
Census 2020
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ON’T FORGET, there is still plenty of time to participate in the 2020 Census. Your response to the Census directly impacts your family and your community by ensuring that California cities receive adequate funding relative the number of people living there, that enough Congressional seats are reserved to elect officials that will represent your voice in Congress, and that resources for public services are available to your community for things like schools and hospitals. As a resident of California, it’s not only in your best interest to complete the Census, it’s the law. Census forms were already mailed to every
on communities and make it extremely important to have accurate information and resources available when you need it most. Make sure that you and your family are taking advantage of any services available during this challenging time and help to revitalize your community by asking for help when you need it. Free meals are still being provided for out-of-school children across the state. Out-of-work families affected by COVID-19 can still access unemployment benefits. And most recently, California’s relief fund for immigrant and undocuhousehold with instructions on how to fill out and return the form. However, you can choose to respond online or by phone instead, even if your household has already received a form. Fill out the Census form online: my2020census.gov *To access the webpage in Spanish, simply click the language drop-down menu in the upper right-hand corner and click “Español” Respond by phone: English: (844) 330-2020 Spanish: (844) 468-2020 Or respond by mail You can respond online, by phone, or by mail until October 31
Volume 30, Number 6 mented families became available for application, providing families with up to $1,000 per household. In addition to the many services available, there is also an abundance of information designed to help you stay informed and track the development of COVID-19 through accurate and reliable sources. We can all do our part by staying informed, staying healthy, and staying safe during these challenging times.
Resources and Information
In order to address the many families left out of the CARES Act, California implemented a fund to provide financial relief for the state’s undocumented immigrants affected by COVID-19. Applications for economic assistance began on May 18 and will continue on a first come, first serve basis until funding runs out. Individuals Continued on page 2 Remember, your responses to the Census are private and protected by law. The Census Bureau is legally obligated to keep your identity and the information you submit confidential. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) are not allowed to use your responses against you for any reason. Your responses are not used for any other purpose except creating statistics that the federal government can use to determine population counts, funding, and political representation in your state. Also, it’s important to know that you will not be asked about your immigration status.