What is the U.S. Census, and Why Does It Matter to Women and Families?

THE CENSUS:

BECAUSE WOMEN AND FAMILIES COUNT

No matter what we look like or where we are from, everyone should have the resources they need to thrive and the ability to shape their communities. The census is about money, power, and data.  It gives every person the opportunity to make their voice heard and ensure that their family, their neighbors, and their communities have the resources they need. 

Every ten years, the U.S. Census Bureau conducts a count of the entire U.S. population, known as the census. The census is a safe and secure process. It determines a lot of important information, including government representation and the allocation of federal funding for programs serving our communities. 

In Ohio, more than $33 billion dollars in federal funding on the line for public programs like Medicaid, SNAP, and housing assistance. Given that many of these programs disproportionately serve women and children, a complete census count is fundamental to supporting the health, safety, and financial stability of Ohio women and their families.

A complete, accurate census count is important for all of us. Women and their families have a lot at stake in the census – and women, who are increasingly the main caregiver or head of household, will play a key role in ensuring this happens. 

You can complete the census in three ways:

  1. Online: Visit my2020census.gov to respond online in English and in 12 additional languages: Spanish, Chinese (Simplified), Vietnamese, Korean, Russian, Arabic, Tagalog, Polish, French, Haitian Creole, Portuguese, and Japanese. 
  2. By Phone: To begin, call 844-330-2020, or visit the webpage online to find the number to call associated with your preferred language.
  3. Paper (Mail) Response: Households should have received a paper questionnaire from the U.S. Census Bureau in March. You can complete this form and mail it back to: U.S. Census Bureau National Processing Center, 1201 E 10th Street, Jeffersonville, IN 47132