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March 29th: The Census Bureau will count people experiencing homelessness and living in shelter. Click here for more information. 
The Census Bureau has designated:
*March 29 as the one day to enumerate shelters for people experiencing homelessness
*March 30 to enumerate soup kitchens and mobile food vans
*March 31 outdoor locations.
It is critical that the U.S. Census accurately captures the number of people experiencing homelessness. U.S. Census data is used to determine funding formulas and therefore federal funds for things like hospitals, job training centers, schools, senior centers, bridges, tunnels and other public works projects, and emergency services. Plus we want to educate the public and elected officials on the true scope of homelessness and therefore everyone must be counted.
In March of 2010, census forms will be delivered to every residence in the United States and Puerto Rico. This year’s census form is the shortest ever, with just 10 questions. If households do not mail the forms back, they will receive a visit from a census taker.
The homeless population is a historically “under-counted” population. Here are some ideas for how to make sure that your clients and the homeless population get counted this year.
Many communities have formed Complete Count Committees to ensure that there is a strategy for communities that have historically been under-counted, including homeless populations.
Contact the closest local census office to find out about complete count committees in your community.
The Service Based Enumeration (SBE) operation is designed to provide an opportunity for people experiencing some form of displacement or lack of permanent address to be included in the census, by counting them at service-based locations, such as homeless shelters, soup kitchens, etc. This will occur at homeless shelters on March 29.
The Be Counted form is another way people can take part in the census. Be Counted forms are census forms that are available at various community locations for use by people who either did not receive a census form in the mail or who believe they were not otherwise included on any other census form.
Order a free census poster to display to encourage clients and staff to participate in the census.
A manual with ideas for how to “Motivate Under-Counted Populations to Participate in the Census”
Census 101
A Nonprofit Checklist
Copy of this year's questionnaire
Website of the U.S. Census
From the official U.S. Census Website
- The U.S. Census counts every resident in the United States, and is required by the Constitution to take place every 10 years.
- The majority of the country will receive English–only materials. Households in areas with high concentrations of Spanish-speaking residents may receive a bilingual (English/Spanish) form.
- Any personal data you provide is protected under federal law.
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