By Laura Ellsworth, Council for the Homeless
Everyone – Housed, unhoused, or living in your car is asked to participate in the Census. Anyone with access to a computer or smart phone and an internet connection (libraries have increased their Wi-Fi distance) can go to the website: www.2020census.gov and begin the Census.
The 2020 Census will help determine how hundreds of billions of dollars in federal funding flow into communities every year for the next decade. Funding to support housing and resources for people experiencing homelessness, school lunches, plans for public transportation and highways are among the many things that the census data helps gives the right amount of money to. The census also determines support for first responders, families in need, healthcare and for seniors. That funding shapes many different aspects of every community, no matter the size, no matter the location.
This is why it is vitally important that we are all counted. Housed or unhoused, we ALL live here. Everyone deserves be counted. You live here. You matter. Be Counted.
This year, it’s easier than ever to participate in the census several ways. People can fill out their census questionnaire over the internet with a laptop or computer, with a smart phone, over the phone, or on paper. Read below to find out how to be counted.
Once started by internet, the questionnaire should only take about 10 minutes. You will be asked to enter a 12 digit code they received in the mail. If you don’t have one, that’s okay. There’s a link that says:
A person who is homeless should click that link, and then be taken to the next screen:
Then, a screen comes up asking for a street address. If a person does not have one because they are living outside, they can check a box that says “I do not have a street address”.
After that, you will be asked if they have a rural route address. After checking the ‘no’ box, you will be brought to a screen that asks if you will be experiencing homelessness on April 1, 2020. There you want to check the ‘yes’ box.
The next screen will ask them for the nearest intersection and city, state and zip code you live in, along with the description of the area like a name of a park, street intersection, or shelter. For example: “Leverich Park in Vancouver, WA.”
From there, a person will go on to answer the census questionnaire itself. Census workers are available over the phone to help answer questions.
People can also take the census over the phone if they choose. People who speak English can call: 844-330-2020. If a person speaks a language other than English, they can call the number associated with their preferred language here. Phone lines are open every day from 10am to 11pm. Phone numbers for 16 languages plus TDD are available.
CENSUS BY PAPER
Paper forms can be found at various locations in our community like the library and community centers once things open up again. When responding, use blue or black ink to fill in the questionnaire. Do not use a pencil. When finished, return the questionnaire to:
U.S. Census Bureau
National Processing Center
1201 E 10th Street
Jeffersonville, IN 47132
Remember:
The Census Bureau will never ask you for:
- Your full Social Security number.
- Your bank account or credit card numbers.
- Anything on behalf of a political party.
- Money or donations.
Participation by people experiencing homelessness or doubled-up with family or friends is important because the results affect our community every day.
RESPONDING IS SAFE
Your personal information is kept confidential by law. Your responses can only be used to
produce statistics. They cannot be used for law enforcement purposes or to determine
your personal eligibility for government benefits.