LANSING, MI – As legislators struggle to balance the state budget, the race is on to make the most of the one free and easy way to bring money to the state of Michigan – the census.
In a last-ditch effort to count every Michigan resident, census takers will be knocking on doors this month and making phone calls to anyone who has yet to return a census form. This 30-day blitz is crucial in determining the amount of federal aid Michigan receives during the next decade, and the nonprofit community is committed to making sure Michigan gets its fair share.
“Opening the door to a census taker opens doors for our communities,” said Sam Singh, census consultant for the Michigan Nonprofit Association. “For every 100 people not counted, a community risks losing $1.2 million in federal funding over the next decade. Our communities can’t afford to miss 10 people, let alone 100.”
Nonprofit groups are helping address concerns some people have about opening their doors to provide information to census takers on the sport or over the phone by answering basic questions, including:
• Who’s at my door? The census taker will present an ID badge that contains a Department of Commerce watermark and expiration date, and may also be carrying a black canvas “shoulder briefcase” with a white U.S. Census Bureau logo. Census takers will never invite themselves into a home. If you are unsure, you can call 1-866-872-6868 to verify the person is an actual census taker.
• Why are they here? The census worker is hired by the U.S. Census Bureau to make sure all members of the community are counted. Census workers will visit addresses where a census form was not returned by mail or answers were not provided by telephone.
• What if no one is home? The census worker will leave a “Notice of Visit” sign hanging on the door, with a phone number to call. Residents may give their answers to census takers by phone or call to schedule a return visit. Census workers will attempt up to six contacts per housing unit (in person and by phone) at different times of the day.
• What can I expect from a census phone call? Callers will identify themselves as working for the U.S. Census Bureau, and the caller ID will likely show “U.S. Census Bureau.” If this text is not supported (such as on a cell phone), then the inbound toll-free number should show up.
• What if I miss the call? If interviewers call and nobody answers the phone, they will leave a message requesting the household return the call. In addition, a specific case identification number will be provided, so the household can call back and complete the interview.
• What will they ask? Census workers will only ask the 10 questions on the census form – how many people are living in the home, and the name, race and birth date of each resident. Census workers will never ask for your Social Security number, bank account number, or personal information.
• Why are these questions important? The census form asks about race and ethnicity to measure how different groups are doing in today’s society and to help address inequalities. It’s important that the government knows how many people are living in each community to help determine the amount of resources needed to serve that community.
• Will my answers be kept confidential? The information you provide will not be used against you and will only benefit you and your family. The Census Bureau does not share your personal information with the police, child support enforcement, landlords or housing authorities, telemarketers or any other government agency such as the FBI or IRS.
I haven’t received a phone call or a visit. If you haven’t received a census form, call
1-866-872-6868.
Michigan risks losing one or even two of its congressional seats, diminishing Michigan’s voice on a federal level, if all residents aren’t counted. With millions of dollars on the line, Michigan can’t afford to leave money on the table for other states.
“It’s crunch time, and we really need people to make a concerted effort to get a complete count,” Singh said. “Everyone needs to do their part to make sure Michigan receives every dime and dollar we deserve.”
If you have questions about the census, call Telephone Questionnaire Assistance at 1-866-872-6868.
###
EDITORS PLEASE NOTE: Lisa Sommer at the Michigan Nonprofit Association can connect you with local nonprofit leaders to discuss efforts in local communities.
Contact: Lisa Sommer, Public Relations Manager, Michigan Nonprofit Association (517) 492-2412 (Direct) Lsommer@mnaonline.com