Courtesy of Frerieke (via Flickr)
Every 10 years, the U.S. Census Bureau gathers data to better serve our communities. This can mean big things for your neighborhood – that is, if we all participate.
The Census helps the government understand what your community needs in terms of money for hospitals, Medicaid, job training, child care, education, roads, assistance programs and more.
What it looks like: The Census is made up of 10 questions that tell the government a little bit about your household. It includes questions about your family’s age, race, sex, etc. They do not ask about your legal status or the status of those living with you.
The Census Bureau can’t and won’t share this information with any other organization. If you want to help your community, it’s in your best interest to fill out this information accurately.
Red flags that you’re not dealing with the Census Bureau:
- If you don’t submit your form a Census Bureau rep may come to your home. If they’re not wearing a U.S. Census Bureau badge, don’t answer the door.
- If someone asks for you to submit this information online, don’t. The Census Bureau will never ask you to provide this type of information via the internet.
- Someone says: this information will be used against you. Again, the Census Bureau is only gathering information about how many people are living in each community and where funds need to be directed.
