Allston Brighton CDC is part of a country-wide effort for a complete count in this year’s Census. We want to ensure that all Allston Brighton residents are counted! To accomplish this, our staff will support residents in our properties to fill out the Census at the All Bright Community Center and we will also educate our neighbors on the importance of the Census. To start off our series of blog posts on the 2020 Census, we compiled frequently asked questions on why the census matters and why everybody should be counted.
What is the Census?
Every 10 years the U.S. Census Bureau is required to count each and every person residing in the U.S.
Why is the Census important?
The data collected determines funding distributions for schools, food assistance, health care, and housing. For every person that isn’t counted, MA loses out on $2,372 per year. The Census could also influence redistricting, the way that local, state, and federal political representation is determined.
How is my information protected?
Personal data that’s collected through the Census is protected by federal law. Census workers that share confidential information can face five years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both. Additionally, the Census website meets the highest cybersecurity standards.
How do I participate?
Beginning in March 2020 each household will receive a postcard in the mail with directions to fill out the Census online, over the phone, or by mail. You should fill out the Census wherever you sleep most of the time on Census Day: April 1, 2020.
If you do not complete the Census, a Census worker may visit your home. They will identify themselves with a Census Bureau badge, and will never ask for social security numbers, bank account information, or credit cards.
What questions will be on the Census?
- How many people were living or staying in this house, apartment, or mobile home on April 1, 2010?
- Were there any additional people staying here April 1, 2010 that you did not include in Question 1?
- Is this house, apartment, or mobile home: owned with mortgage, owned without mortgage, rented, occupied without rent?
- What is your telephone number?
Please provide information for each person living here. Start with a person here who owns or rents this house, apartment, or mobile home. If the owner or renter lives somewhere else, start with any adult living here. This will be Person 1.
- What is Person 1’s name?
- What is Person 1’s sex?
- What is Person 1’s age and Date of Birth?
- Is Person 1 of Hispanic, Latino or Spanish origin?
- What is Person 1’s race?
- Does Person 1 sometimes live or stay somewhere else?
Are you a community partner and want to learn more? Contact Anna Leslie from the Allston Brighton Health Collaborative at [email protected] to join the neighborhood’s Complete Count Committee.
For more information, visit census.gov