The 2020 Census is still happening, and it is essential that we count everyone living in Joplin, but time is running out. There is still time to quickly and easily respond online, by phone, or by mail now, before census takers begin to visit homes later this summer.
More than $675 billion in federal funding – trillions of dollars over the next decade – is attached to population counts. Communities that are undercounted risk missing out on federal funding for programs including housing, transportation, health care, education, and other social services. That’s why it is so important that we count every person in Joplin – funding for our schools, roads, and elder care depend on it.
The COVID-19 pandemic underscores the need for accurate 2020 Census data. Responding to the 2020 Census is a safe and simple step towards helping our communities rebuild after COVID-19. Responding on your own now – online, by phone, or by mail – makes it less likely that census takers will have to visit your home later this summer and fall.
Remember, everyone who lived in the United States on April 1, 2020, should be counted in your household – that includes newborn babies, older relatives or friends who live with you, and all people regardless of citizenship status. For anyone who relocated due to COVID-19 before taking the 2020 Census, be sure to respond with the address you would have normally been living at on April 1, 2020.
Respond online today at 2020census.gov, by calling 844-330-2020 in English (or 844-468-2020 for Spanish) or in 12 other non-English languages. You can get language assistance online in more than 50 languages and in Braille, large print, and American Sign Language. Learn more at https://2020census.gov/en/languages.html.
One you’ve responded for your household, do your part to help ensure a complete count in Joplin by encouraging others in your community to respond to the 2020 Census. Counting everyone in the U.S. requires everyone’s help – by encouraging your community to respond on their own to the census in a timely manner, you’re playing a big role in ensuring a complete and accurate count. One easy thing you can do is to share information on your social media channels about the upcoming census and why it’s so important to respond, by using the hashtag #2020Census.
We encourage you to engage people around the 2020 Census, and to explain why it’s important for you and everyone in your community to respond. More people responding to the census means more opportunities to shape the future of your town, city, or state – and the country.
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