As we come together in response to the spread of COVID-19 and anticipate steps toward recovery, it becomes even more important to have a complete count in the 2020 Census.

While Wake County’s response rate continues to increase, we know that some neighborhoods are undercounted. What this means is that communities where people who may most need services will receive less than their fair share of political representation and funding for the next ten years.

In other words, North Carolina receives billions of dollars in federal funding each year for programs like Medicaid, Medicare, child health insurance, and nutrition assistance. States that have a better count of their child population will receive relatively more money for programs including Supplemental Nutrition for Women, Infants, & Children (also known as WIC); Head Start/Early Head Start; Child Care Development Fund which provides child-care subsidies to low-income families; Early Intervention Program for Infants & Toddlers with Disabilities; and Special Education (IDEA) Preschool grants. [For reference: Institute for Public Policy at George Washington University]

COVID-19 has hit our minority populations harder than most. It drives home that we cannot let anyone be undercounted in the 2020 Census. Funding and resources need to go where they belong.

Census 2020 responses are completely confidential. Individuals may be counted online, by phone, or via paper ballot. There will also be in-person signups following COVID-19 restrictions.

Resources:

• Visit: NC Counts Coalition
• Visit: NC Child: The Cost of a Census Undercount
• Visit: WakeGOV
• Call: 1-844-330-2020
• Look for information on social media: #2020Census #WakeCounts