(Speaking Spanish) BILLY SHIELDS: More than 15 Chesterfield County agencies gathered in the Beulah Rec Center recently, speaking a language that is becoming more common in the area.

(Speaking Spanish) DALILA MEDRANO: We are home to almost half of, you know, the Latinos in the greater Richmond region.

And, you know, we feel proud that, you know, we have been a safe home.

And now we want to make sure that, you know, our residents feel connected to government.

BILLY SHIELDS: It's a new outreach effort called Café con Comunidad, an attempt to reach Chesterfield's burgeoning Spanish speaking populace.

According to the U.S. census, more than 12% of the county is now Hispanic.

DALILA MEDRANO: And can engage with our leaders and engage with all of our bilingual staff and know that there is a place for them here in our decision making process.

BILLY SHIELDS: Officials fielded all kinds of questions from the public.

How the county is addressing affordable housing and public transit.

This woman studied engineering in El Salvador.

BILLY SHIELDS: And this resident who volunteers to help victims of domestic abuse, said some people are hesitant to call for help.

BILLY SHIELDS: Aceituno said people without documents often fear they'll be deported if they call 911.

But first responders pointed out, LISETTE FUENTES: You should never hesitate to call us.

Whether it's a medical emergency or non-medical emergency that should not be the primary concern.

You should contact us regardless of your status here in the United States.

BILLY SHIELDS: Organizers say they are planning on holding events like this on a regular basis.

Maybe every quarter, hoping to provide good answers to the complex questions presented in this space, and all part of the effort to make the county feel more like home.

Billy Shields, VPM News.