The 2020 Census in Baltimore
In 2020 Baltimore is conducting a complete count of all its residents — all people of all ages — to ensure the State and Federal Government have an accurate tally of Baltimore’s population. The Census does far more than count our population though: it collects important information about us so that decision makers have an accurate picture of who lives here and what our needs are. By better understanding our needs, they can better serve our needs.
For residents in the neighborhoods served by No Boundaries Coalition, it’s important that we show up for Baltimore by completing the Census Form, but it matters just as much for our local communities. Our State and City receive resources from the Federal Government on the basis of how many people live in the City, but other factors can impact the type of support the funding is put towards. We need to know key factors like how many young people live in the City, for instance, so that we have enough schools to educate them. That means if neighborhoods in 21217 are under represented in the Census it doesn’t just mean that Baltimore will be under funded by the Federal Government: it also means that our communities’ unique characteristics are under represented in the data the Federal Government receives for Baltimore, so it’s harder for decision makers to tailor our community resources to our community needs.
Everything from the number of fire stations we have to the amount of funding we have for SNAP, WIC, and Head Start hangs in the balance. Because the Census only takes place once every ten years, it’s critically important that we have strong participation this year. Its impacts will be felt for the next decade.
Do Your Part by Completing Your Census Form
Throughout March and April of 2020, every resident across Baltimore will receive letters and postcards in the mail reminding them to fill out their Census forms. Every letter will provide instructions for how you can complete your Census form online, over the phone, or by handwritten form. In fact, if you’re reading this and still haven’t completed your Census form, it’s as easy as going to my2020census.gov (just click the link!) and filling the form out right now! It will only take you about 10 minutes to complete.
About 95% of all households in the City (and across the country!) will receive a Census invitation in the mail. For about 5% of households, a Census taker will physically come by and drop the Census invitation off, because for some reason the federal government does not have the address registered or cannot mail to the address. No matter how you choose to complete your Census form, it is very important that you do so.
How You Can Help Others Do Their Part
The City of Baltimore and partner organizations like No Boundaries Coalition conduct canvasses not just to drop invitations off, but to encourage members of the community to participate. You can sign up to volunteer with us by emailing [email protected], but you can also encourage your friends and family to participate so that they’re counted too.
You can also spread the word by through social media using graphics found here!
How To Win!
No Boundaries Coalition is giving away $1,200 cash & more to 21216, 21217, & 21223 residents! All you have to do is tell us why you completed your census form. In a short 15 second to 3-minute video. Make sure to tag @Noboundaries21217 & @getcounted, include: #GetCounted #Census2020 #NoBoundaries21217 #getcountedgetcash #GCGCSweepstakes
Participants with the most creative, impactful messages with the highest amount of views will have the greatest chance at winning. Two winners will be announced during our Facebook live Civics Saturdays! Every first and Third Saturday until June! 4/4/20 — 5/16/20.
Click here for full sweepstakes rules. Eligibility must be proven*. This giveaway is not sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Instagram. Funds for this Sweepstakes were made possible by the Maryland Census Grant.
