WALLA WALLA — If there is anything Hector Maldonado would like people to understand about the upcoming census, it is three key things.

“It’s easy, it’s safe, and it’s important,” Maldonado told community leaders Wednesday who gathered for an information session and luncheon at St. Patrick Catholic Church.

Maldonado is an employee for the U.S. Census Bureau based out of the Seattle Regional Census Center. He was in Walla Walla to help answer questions with the goal of getting community leaders to share the information with residents.

Census FYI

The Census launches April 1 with the start of the official count. It ends April 19, although outreach will continue through July to ensure all people are accounted.

The U.S. Census is also currently hiring. To enquire about employment opportunities, call 1-866-861-2010.

For more information, go to www.census.gov.