Census 2020

United Way Worldwide launched a Text-to-Pledge campaign to help ensure that the 2020 Census is fair and accurate. Powered by 211, a nationwide service that connects those in need to a variety of local support services, people can text PLEDGE to 211-211 and opt-in to receive information about, and text reminders to participate in the 2020 Census.

 

Text-to-Pledge will also address questions and correct misunderstandings about the 2020 Census. United Way aims to educate and gather pledges to be counted from more than 1 million individuals, particularly in hard-to-count communities during the 2020 Census.

 

Muskegon County stands to lose an estimated $54.6 million per year in federal support for the next 10 years for programs that use census data. These include Medicaid, nutrition assistance, highway construction and planning, Title I and Special Education Grants, Foster Care and Child Care Grants, K-12 education, Section 8 Vouchers, and Head Start/Early Start.

 

Historically, the census has missed disproportionate numbers of minorities, immigrants, young children and those living in poverty. We believe Muskegon County nonprofits are trusted entities in our community and can be effective in reaching out to their networks in hard-to-count populations. You can provide education about the benefits of Census 2020 and encourage them to participate.