Deadline to Complete 2020 Census Approaching

Disponible en: Español

The more people take part, the more federal funds for our communities and the City of Houston.

The census determines how many people live in the United States. The information determines how much funding and representations should be distributed to communities. Provides the basis for:

representation, redistribute seats in Congress, and redistrict.
determine where more than $ 675 billion in federal funds will be distributed annually to communities. The funds support vital programs in states, counties, and communities, affecting housing, education, transportation, employment, health care, and public policy. Examples include:
- Local government officials use the Census to ensure public safety and plan for new schools, fire departments, and hospitals.
- Businesses use data from the Census Bureau to decide where to build factories, offices, and shops, which create jobs.
- Real estate developers and urban planners use the Census to plan new homes and improve neighborhoods.
- The census funds important programs like Medicaid, Medicare, and SNAP.
- Census dollars support disaster recovery, road improvements, special education, classroom technology, teacher training, after-school programs, school lunch assistance, and more.

That means the Census can affect the communities that the Aldine School District serves. Houston could lose billions in federal funding if the local population is undercounted. Tens of thousands of dollars could be lost for infrastructure, housing, disaster recovery, health care, and child nutrition. That’s what happens every time each Houstonian fails to respond to the census. After the 2010 census, Houston missed out on more than $10,000 per person not listed on the census.

The populations that are traditionally undercounted include:

children 5 years old and younger
adults 18-24 years old
renters
persons living in poverty
persons experiencing homelessness or inconsistent housing situations
people of color
people with limited English proficiency
persons with disabilities

The census counts everyone who lives in the United States. The information includes everyone, family members, and non-relatives, who lives in your home, including children.

Things to Know

It takes only 5-10 minutes to fill out, depending on the size of your household.
The census can be filled out in 13 common languages by phone or online at https://2020census.gov, which has guides available for 54 more languages.
You can take the census for you and your household if you are at least 15 years of age.
Your responses cannot be shared with anyone. In fact, they’re even protected by law from other branches of government.

The information you provide is private, protected, and cannot be shared. If there is a question about your immigration status and prefer not to answer, you can leave that part blank. If you don’t complete the Census or leave too many parts unanswered, someone from the Census can help you fill out the form at home.

Avoid Fraud and Scams

First, check to ensure that the census worker has a valid ID badge, with their photograph, a U.S. Department of Commerce watermark, and expiration date. If you still have questions about their identity, you can call 800-923-8282 to speak with a local Census Bureau representative.

The Census Bureau will never ask for:

Your Social Security number
Your bank account or credit card numbers
Citizenship status
Money or donations

There’s Still Time

The school district encourages everyone to complete the census. Getting an accurate count in 2020 requires your help. Spread the word that the census is easy, safe, and important.

Visit 2020Census.gov for more information or call 844-468-2020.