NOTE: For resources and information on the 2020 Census, go to https://pachurchesadvocacy.org/resources/2020-census-resources/. Download and share a bulletin insert on this page.
Rev. Leslie Mamas
Ever since 1790, ALL people residing in the United States must be counted every 10 years, as required by the U.S. Constitution. In 2020 for the first time ever, the U.S. Census Bureau will accept responses online and by phone, as well as through the mail. When you receive your census invitation in the mail, it is highly important that you take the time to respond… especially being a faithful Christian. Why is the census so important to people of faith? Unlike Joseph and Mary who had to travel to Bethlehem and be counted in order to get taxed, we are counted in order to ensure the most needy members of our community receive help. By simply responding to the census, we are able to improve the lives of our neighbors; children, families, seniors, and more. Having an accurate count of folks in our state determines the amount of money our state receives for some very important programs and grants. As Christians we care about things like poverty, homelessness, creation care, and the welfare of our children. Here is just a partial list of some of the programs affected by the 2020 census count:
Children: Counting all residents (including infants and children) affects funds for early intervention services for kids with special needs, public schools, Head Start, children’s health insurance, and more. Your response allocates funds for child welfare services, maternal and child health services, the national school lunch program and school breakfast program, special education preschool grants, and even foster care.
Seniors: The census count affects special programs for the aging, supportive housing for the elderly, the senior community service employment program, and even impacts Medicare Part B.
Poverty: Without an accurate census count, the state could lose funding for Section 8 housing. Programs that use the census data include the emergency food assistance program, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), low-income home energy assistance, and temporary assistance for needy families and those transitioning from homelessness.
Environment: The census data impacts funds for state wildlife grants, wildlife restoration, and even water pollution control.
Additionally, the census determines state funding for: HIV/AIDS programs, grants for Domestic Violence shelters, Firefighters, Crime Victims, community Mental Health services, funds for persons with Disabilities, and even the Disabled Veterans‘ Outreach Program (DVOP).
Being counted is perhaps one of the single most important things we can do to help those in need, our communities, our neighbors, and ourselves. Simply responding and being counted ensures funding for all these programs for the next decade. As Christians, we are responsible not just for ourselves, but for others… To ensure the hungry are fed, the homeless are sheltered, and the sick are healed. An accurate 2020 census count will help beyond measure, so please take this opportunity seriously.
~Rev. Leslie Mamas is Pastor of Olivet-Schwenkfelder UCC and a member of the Council’s Commission on Public Witness
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