Census 2020

Every ten years, the United States conducts a Census, which provides an official count of the U.S. population and information about demographic changes that occurred over the past ten years. An accurate count is essential for the fair distribution of political representation and federal assistance. Historically, the census missed a disproportionately high percentage of “hard-to-count” individuals, which include immigrants, families with children under 5, racial minorities (especially Latinos, Asian Americans, Hawaiians & Pacific Islanders, African Americans, and American Indians & Alaskan Natives). This leads to inequality in access to public funding and political power. It was estimated that in the 2010 Census, Missouri forfeited $1,200 of federal assistance for every person undercounted, of which 9% of the 2010 population was considered hard-to-count, and lost a congressional seat as a result. This year things are changing, the census will be conducted online for the first time ever, and there may be a question about immigration status on the census. The Marillac Mission Fund is invested in coordinating efforts with other organizations to reach these hard-to-count individuals to help ensure a more just and equitable outcome for those most vulnerable. Please take a moment to look at the following fact sheet about the Census. Get educated and spread the word.

Websites:

Why Census is Important: https://www.census.gov/partners/2020.html

Hard-To-Count Interactive Map: https://www.censushardtocountmaps2020.us/

MFH: https://mffh.org/news/stand-up-and-be-counted-the-net-benefit-of-census-2020/

Counting for Dollars: https://gwipp.gwu.edu/sites/g/files/zaxdzs2181/f/downloads/Missouri%20CFD%2008-18-17.pdf