2020 U.S. Census
Once a decade, America counts its population through a constitutionally mandated census. The information the Census collects is used for congressional redistricting, determining federal funding for programs, and as crucial data for government to make policy decisions.
Key Facts about the 2020 Census:
- Responding to the Census is easy. You can respond to the U.S. Census online or over the phone in 13 languages, or wait for the paper form to be delivered to you.
- Census data is confidential. Your personal information is protected by law and is never released to any other local, state, or federal agencies (Title 13 of the U.S. Code).
- Census data affects your community. Census data directly affects how more than $675 billion per year in federal and state funding is allocated to communities for neighborhood improvements, public health, education, transportation, and much more.
Click here if you’d like to know more about the 2020 Census!
The Providers’ Council’s Plan for Census Awareness:
For nearly 45 years, the Human Services Providers Charitable Foundation and the Providers’ Council have maintained strong relationships with our statewide, diverse membership. More than 200 human services organizations – from North Adams to Chatham and from Amesbury to Stockbridge – are members of the Council. They serve various populations that have been historically under counted by the Census Bureau including individuals with developmental disabilities; those with mental health or substance abuse issues; residents grappling with housing and homelessness; survivors of domestic violence and women and children needing support; immigrants and New Americans; the elderly; people recently released from prison; and more.
The Council is proud to be a recipient of the Statewide Complete Count grant from the Commonwealth’s Secretary of State’s office. We have used funding to host an educative webinar with the Census Bureau; give small mini-grants to human services organizations; and produce materials such as posters and postcards for human services organizations to use with staff, clients, consumers, families, board members and others, encouraging them to be counted.
In June 2020, the Council is launching an advertising campaign designed to reach hard-to-count communities and those in the community-based human services sector. The campaign is expected to include a billboard in the Greater Springfield area, a billboard in the Greater Worcester area, mobile geofenced advertising and ads on Facebook.
For more information on the Providers’ Council’s work, please contact Bill Yelenak.
