April 1, 2020 is the 2020 Census day, but the planning, outreach, and follow through has consumed more than a year’s worth of effort, and for seniors there are very important reasons to participate.
Census workers are concerned that many of the 60-year-old and older set will not want to be counted. For the past several years, authorities have been warning seniors to avoid mailers, phone calls, and strangers at their door seeking information, due to the prevalence of incidents of fraud and scams. Grandparents raising grandchildren often try to avoid notice, too. Many of these households involve unconventional family structures or there is a sense of loss of privacy that pervades the situation. However, it is very important for seniors and the very young to be counted. That is, if they wish to be able to continue to receive some of the vital services they need.
The U.S. Constitution mandates a Census every 10 years. The results will determine many different facets of our American life. The government will use the census results to reapportion the House of Representative and determine how many seats each state will receive. With the recent changes in population in Illinois, we can expect to lose at least one seat in the House, and we could even lose two.
The census results may affect the redistricting of congressional and State legislative districts, due to population shifts. Future employment opportunities could be affected by the census, because the data will be used for the next 10 years by businesses seeking to build, open, or relocate. Real estate developers use census data to choose where to build or revitalize neighborhoods. Local municipalities use census data in public safety and emergency preparedness planning.
Many people do not realize that the census can affect non-profit and social service agencies too, as census data affects the distribution of federal funds, grant dollars, and support to state, county, and community resources.
The $675 Billion allocated nationally will affect funding for our first responders, Medicare Part B, the Supportive Housing for the Elderly Program, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, (SNAP), Senior Community Service Employment Program, and libraries and community centers, too.
Take a moment to consider that we hold a census only every 10 years. This means we are currently using 10-year-old data to determine how much money is being spent on so many important services. Therefore, through the 2020 Census, we will be affecting our access to services for the next 10 years. If we do not get this 2020 count right, we certainly will suffer from lack of funds to important programs.
Responding to the census is safe. Census letters will begin to appear in the mail after March 12, and each household will receive a unique code to respond to the census online. The easiest way to be counted is to respond online. Libraries and senior centers will assist anyone who needs help filling out the census questionnaire. You can respond by phone or mail, and large print materials are available upon request. A second reminder post card will be mailed to those households that have not responded, and finally, a letter and paper questionnaire will be mailed out.
In April, field teams will begin visiting households that have not responded. Each census worker will carry official black and while badges featuring the census logo, and can record information on an official census tablet or cell phone. Once the census worker inputs the data into the device, it will disappear from view and cannot be viewed or retrieved by anyone. Your response is confidential and cannot be accessed or used by law enforcement, the court system, or any other government agency.
You will be reading this message everywhere. Every county, community, and local agency is seeking to alert residents that the census is coming up and for the need to participate.
From young to old, it is important to make sure everyone counts. Visit 2020census.gov for more information.
Barb Nadeau is the community relations manager for the Voluntary Action Center of DeKalb County. Barb has worked in television, radio, and print media, as well as in volunteer coordination and networking amongst non-profit social service agencies. She is a freelance writer and television host. Contact Barb at bvnadeau@gmail.com.