Census results shape the future of communities, as census data informs how billions of dollars in federal funds are distributed for health clinics, school lunch programs, disaster recovery initiatives, schools, roads, and other critical programs and services for the next 10 years.

On average, 76.3% of households in the Fourth District have responded to the 2020 Census. However, for every 1% of County population not counted, we will lose approximately $600 million in Federal funding. It is important that you and your family get a fair amount of representation and resources, especially in times like these.

If you’re at home during the current health crisis and haven’t responded to the census yet, take a few minutes to fill out the 9 questions for the 2020 Census online using a desktop computer, laptop, smartphone or tablet.

When you respond:

• Use your Census ID from your invitation or provide your current address.
  
  
• Respond for where you live today.
  
  
• Include everyone who usually lives and sleeps in your home, even if they are staying somewhere else temporarily. This includes relatives, friends, roommates and anyone else who lives and sleeps in your home most of the time — even children under age five and babies even if they are still in the hospital.
  
  
• Count college students where they live while attending school. If they live on campus in university/college housing such as dorms or fraternity/sorority houses, they will be counted by school officials and do not need to respond. However, if they live off campus in private housing or apartments, they should respond to the census on their own using their off-campus address even if they are currently staying elsewhere.
  
  
• Find additional answers about “Who to Count” at 2020census.gov.

If you prefer to respond to the census over the phone, please call one of the phone numbers below:

Please make sure your friends, family and social networks know about the importance of responding and encourage them to complete their census on their own — all without having to meet a census taker. This is really important with the current health and safety guidance being provided by national, state and local health authorities. Responding now will also minimize the need for a census taker to follow up and visit your home later this year.

So, while you keep tabs on local response rates, encourage others in your community to respond to the 2020 Census.