Self-Respond to the 2020 Census! Every ten years, the United States Census is conducted. The census aims to count every person living in the United States regardless of their citizenship status, age, gender or ethnicity. The census is safe and all information you provide is protected under federal law. Because the census guides the way that the government distributes $800 billion of federal funding, it is important for you to represent yourself and be counted! The United States Constitution requires that the U.S. Census is conducted every ten years, and the data collected by the census determines how federal funding is spread across cities and states nationwide. With the challenges our country is facing during COVID-19 and the ongoing conversation regarding social justice and equality, this year it is more important than ever that every voice is heard. We must ALL be counted in the census!
What does this federal funding support? This funding is extremely important for NEVHC and our patients! It will help support services like Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Section 8, as well as our public schools, fire stations and more. An accurate census count will help ensure that our San Fernando and Santa Clarita valley communities are healthy and safe for us and our families.
What kinds of questions are on the census? The census is made of ten questions about the individual responding and the household they live with. The questions include your name, age, date of birth, sex, race and how many people you live with. It does not ask your citizenship status or your social security number.
How do I complete the census? This year, the census can be completed online by visiting https://my2020census.gov, by phone by calling 1-844-468-2020, or by mail. It is available in twelve languages, including Spanish, Tagalog and Chinese. There is also a glossary with an additional 59 languages to help ensure that all respondents have a quick, convenient experience in filling out the census.
What are Hard to Count populations? Some populations are considered Hard to Count (HTC). Challenges like unreliable internet access, not speaking English as a primary language and living in households with multiple generations all make households harder to count. Because of this, young children, seniors and undocumented residents are often undercounted. But this must change, because these populations still need all of the resources that the census helps provide! The census is safe for all, and there is no downside to completing it. It supports the accessibility of services we all use every day.
How can I spread the word? Remind your loved ones that the census is safe and confidential! According to NALEO’s Hagase Contar campaign, Los Angeles County has the highest rate of undercounted Latino children in the country, so make sure that you and your loved ones count your entire household! Learn more about the Hagase Contar campaign at: https://hagasecontar.org/ if you have questions before you self-respond to the census, feel free to contact Brian Gavidia at BrianGavidia@nevhc.org. We are here to shed light on the process of responding and to explain all the good that comes from an accurate census count!
