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Census Workers Canvassing Your Neighborhood!
Beginning in May and continuing through the end of July, census workers will be visiting any household that did not return a 2010 Census questionnaire. The census workers will not be asking residents anything that was not asked in the mailed questionnaire. Help spread the word to welcome the workers and answer the 10 questions. This effort will ensure that every resident of Henderson County is counted. You can make an appointment with a Census taker to come by your home by calling this toll free number 1-866-872-6868.
What is a Census Taker? A census taker is a person from your community who is hired by the Census Bureau to make sure that your neighborhood gets represented as accurately as possible. The census taker's primary responsibility is to collect census information from residences. Most of these residences have not sent back their 2010 Census form.
- The Census Bureau provides the census taker with a binder containing all of the addresses that didn't send back a filled out census form
- The census taker then visits all of those addresses and records the answers to the questions on the form
- If no one answers at a particular residence, a census taker will visit that home up to six times, each time leaving a door hanger featuring a phone number; residents can call the number on the hanger to schedule the visit
How do I identify Census Workers now combing Henderson County streets?
The Census makes safety a top priority (Click here for information on Identifying Census Workers and an example of Census Worker IDs).
Saftey and Security There is always the potential for fraud. Remember Census workers will not ask you anything that was not asked on the mailed 10 question Census form. No one should be asking for your financial, medical, or Social Security information. Also, Census workers are not allowed to enter your home. The census taker who collects your information is sworn for life to protect your data under Federal Law Title 13. Those who violate the oath face criminal penalties: Under federal law, the penalty for unlawful disclosure is a fine of up to $250,000 or imprisonment for up to 5 years, or both.
About Census 2010
The United States began conducting a decennial census of population and housing in 1790. Once again in 2010, the US census will be undertaken nationwide. Residents of Henderson County will have much to gain by participating and being counted. The US Constitution requires that a census be taken every ten years. The 2010 Census is short, safe, and an investment in every community's future.
What is the Census?
The US Census is a count of all residents of the country. The count will include people of all ages, races, ethnic groups, citizens and non citizens. Census data results will guide critical decisions on federal, state, and local levels which means that that achieving a complete and accurate count is essential.
What do I do if I don’t receive a questionnaire? Beginning April 12, 2010, you should call the Telephone Questionnaire Assistance center at one of the numbers listed below to obtain a questionnaire. The phone lines will be open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. (your local time) seven days a week through July 30, 2010.
- English 1-866-872-6868
- Spanish 1-866-928-2010
- Chinese 1-866-935-2010
- Korean 1-866-955-2010
- Vietnamese 1-866-945-2010
- Russian 1-866-965-2010
For the hearing-impaired, dial TDD 1-866-783-2010 (during the times noted above.)
What questions will be asked?
The 2010 Census will ask ten questions and take only a few minutes to complete and mail back. Information will be gathered regarding name, gender, age, race, ethnicity and relationship to householder and whether the householder owns or rents their home.
Will responses be confidential?
By Federal law, the Census Bureau and its employees cannot share any collected information with anyone, including welfare, immigration, law enforcement agencies or marketers.
Are there local efforts to raise awareness about the importance of the 2010 Census and encourage participation by all residents?
The Henderson County Complete Count Committee is a volunteer group established by local governments and community leaders to raise awareness about the upcoming census and spearhead efforts to encourage a high rate of response in the local community particularly from hard to reach populations.
Why is the Census important to Henderson County?
- Every year the federal government distributes more than $400 billion (over $1300 per person) to state and local governments based on census data. Accurate data can ensure local communities get their share of federal funds for schools, housing assistance and rehabilitation loans, roads and bridges, public transportation, public safety, hospitals, other community needs.
- Local population data is also used by the State government as a basis for distributing shared revenue streams such as sales taxes and gasoline taxes.
- Census data will determine how many seats each state will have in the US House of Representatives and the shape of new congressional districts. Local City Council and County Commissioner districts may be redrawn based on decennial census data.
- Census data about patterns of growth is used to help decision makers in local planning efforts - including determining where new parks and recreational programs are needed, forecasting future transportation, housing and school needs, making sure adequate public safety staff are allocated.
- Census data is used by local Chambers of Commerce to provide statistical profiles to potential business recruits.
- Private businesses use census data to help locate sites for new grocery stores, pharmacies, distribution centers, entertainment and recreational venues, etc.
- In general a complete census count of all residents where they live can help support a community's improved quality of life.
Are there any Census Jobs available?
Conducting the census is a huge undertaking. Thousands of census takers are needed to update address lists and conduct interviews with community residents. Click here for a link to the 2010 Census Jobs page for additional information on job opportunities. You may also call 1-866-861-2010 for job opportunity information.
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