Use the web, phone or mail to fill out the U.S. Census forms that have been mailed in recent weeks to help Berkeley get the federal funding it deserves.
Use the web, phone or mail to fill out the U.S. Census forms that have been mailed in recent weeks to help Berkeley get the federal funding it deserves.
This once-a-decade form tallies up all the people in Berkeley, which is then used to allocate money for support services in health care, disaster response, affordable housing, schools, roads, and public transit.
The national emergency we now see with COVID-19 is an example of why this document is so important. You can respond entirely while sheltering-in-place at home:
- Online at my2020census.gov
- Phone: 844-330-2020
- By mail, using the form sent to your home
If you’ve responded already, you can still help. Call, email, or use social media to encourage your friends and network to respond to the Census.
What is it and why is it important?
The Census is a survey of our country and helps us understand how many people live here. It’s mandated by the Constitution.
The last Census was in 2010. A lot can change in 10 years — your neighborhood might look a lot different, or you might have some new family members living at your house. The Census allows the federal government to know what neighborhoods are growing and the needs they have, and determines how more than $800 billion in federal funds are distributed.
The Census count also helps determine accurate congressional representation for each community, as well as local government boundary lines and school districts.
Each person who gets counted brings back an estimated average of $1,000 per year in funding for critical services and infrastructure. For every person that goes uncounted, local communities lose $10,000 over the next decade.
What does the Census ask?
The Census asks where you live and how many people live in your home, and their age, race and relationship. Everyone living in the household needs to be counted.
The Census won’t ask you to share any sensitive information, like your social security number or immigration status. Your information is completely confidential — it’s illegal for the Census Bureau to release your information.
Act now and help make sure everyone is counted — submit your response and encourage friends and family to do the same.
