For all people to live in a just and sacred society, we must ensure an accurate count in the decennial census to secure necessary federal dollars that will allow us to maintain and improve our communities so that we can all live with safety, dignity, and respect.
In furtherance of this mission, CLUE is engaged in the Census 2020 campaign and we are organizing in Hard to Count Tracts throughout Los Angeles County to guarantee an accurate count in 2020.
What is the census?
The Census is conducted every ten years to count EVERY person living in the United States, regardless of race/ethnicity, age, or citizenship status. Each person that is counted in the census means that more money will go to your community for the next ten years.
Specifically, it will determine how over $115 billion in federal funding is spent every year on:
- Schools
- Public transportation
- Hospitals
- Social services
- Housing
- Healthcare
- And other programs that serve your community
Participating in the census means you are claiming your community’s fair share of federal money.
The census also determines how much political representation your community will have, and ensures that YOU have a voice in our government.
The Census in Los Angeles County
Across the United States, there are “Hard to Count” tracts, which means that in a given district, fewer than 73 percent of households responded in 2010. Los Angeles County is the country’s most challenging region to count, with over half of Angelenxs living in hard-to-count areas. This is due to the county’s high number of renters, people experiencing homelessness, and immigrant communities that may not participate due to language barriers or fear and distrust of the federal government.
L.A. county officials estimate that for every Californian that isn’t counted, the state will lose approximately $2,000 in federal funding per year. That is money that could go to fund things like MediCAL, your local park, road repairs, class size reduction, and more.
The Census is Safe
Your information is confidential. It is illegal to share your census information with anyone, including:
- The IRS
- The courts
- Law enforcement
- Immigration enforcement
Your answers will not be used to determine whether you qualify for public benefits. In addition, there will be no citizenship question or any question about your immigration status.
The Census is Easy
You can complete the census online, by mail, or by phone. You will be asked 10 simple questions, like:
- Age of everyone in your home
- Marital status of everyone in your home
- The number of children in your home
- Sex of everyone in your home
- What type of home you live in, e.g., owner, renter, etc.
Census Day is April 1, 2020. Be sure to fill out your form by April 30, 2020.
CLUE stands in solidarity with the city, county, state leaders, and community groups in joining forces to stand up for our most vulnerable neighbors.
For more information or to request materials, please contact Rev. Pastor Juan Carlos Durruthy at [email protected] or (323) 536-0916 and visit WeCountLA.org to get involved.
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