Don't Forget… COMPLETE THE CENSUS!
I have heard so many reasons that our community does not think that it is important to complete the Census. As the Census Coordinator for the City of Grand Rapids, I was given the task to enlighten the historically hard to count communities on the importance of completing the 2020 Census.
I have started many conversations and group talks with "the programs for our children" — programs that help with school breakfast and lunches for our children. So many people within the community do not understand how the funding comes to our community for many programs that are vital services that we take advantage of daily. Each person has been determined to be worth $18,000 over a ten - year period. Those funds are for health care, education and transportation. It also helps determine the numbers of legislators that represent us on a state and national level.
Now we are faced with additional challenges because of the current situation with COVID - 19. We strongly encourage the community to respond and complete the 2020 Census online. This is the first decade that we can complete the questionnaire online, by phone or by mail. You can respond by using a desktop computer, laptop, smart phone, tablet, phone or mail.
The City of Grand Rapids has partnered with many organizations and churches that have agreed to host Census Assistance Centers throughout the city. Some centers have closed due to the current status of COVID-19. To find the listing of the centers go to www.BeCountedGR.org.
PROACTIVE will operate the only known CENSUS PHONE BANK in Grand Rapids. Our Census Assistance Center Phone Bank will be up and running beginning on Monday, March 23rd at 11:00am.
We will be reminding and encouraging the community to complete the questionnaire. It is very important that we help get this message out to as many families within the community as possible.
In the meantime, ee also want to encourage everyone to continue practicing social distancing and be safe.
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