The Moore County Veterans Service Office is hosting a Veterans Census Summit from 10 a.m. to noon, Friday, Feb. 7, at the Moore County Agricultural Building, 707 Pinehurst Ave.
Representatives from the Regional Census Office in Fayetteville will present an overview and outline ways local organizations can assist veterans with answering the census. There will be a question and answer panel and time allotted for audience questions. Businesses, health care organizations, community service organizations, veterans’ groups, church groups and others who work with veterans are invited to attend.
According to Jim Pederson, Director of the Moore County Veterans Service Office, veterans are typically among the most undercounted population groups in the 10-year national census.
Census numbers determine how $675 billion in federal funding is distributed to federal, state, local and community services and organizations, including those that serve veterans.
“As Moore County’s military and veteran population continues to grow, it is important that adequate VA healthcare, nursing home care for aging veterans and community-based services are available to meet this increased need,” Pedersen said. “If all Moore County veterans are counted in 2020, it will help to ensure that funding is available to serve current and anticipated veteran needs within the community,” he noted.
The Census Summit is offered free of charge. Crumpler Funeral Home in Aberdeen is sponsoring the summit by providing beverages and light refreshments for attendees.
Those interested in attending are asked to RSVP by calling the Veterans Service Office at 910-947-3257 or emailing mmanning@moorecountync.gov or jrichards@moorecountync.gov . For information, contact Mary Ann Manning, Veterans Service Office Assistant at 910-947-3257.
