Through the end of March, Holly Springs had the highest self-response rate of any town in Wake County at more than 48 percent. In 2010, Holly Springs’ self-response rate reached 84 percent. With the online option added this year, we’re hoping for a much higher percentage.
“Our residents are tech-savvy and appreciate the ability to quickly and efficiently complete the census online,” said Gina Clapp, director of Planning and Zoning for the town. “And if completed online, a census taker will not need to visit your residence. If you have not yet received an invitation to participate in the 2020 US Census, there are no worries. You can simply go online at www.2020census.gov to complete the census for your household.”
Why Participation is Important
Participating in the 2020 Census is good for you and your community. Statistics generated by the census are used to allocate tax dollars and determine political representation. It affects funding for infrastructure, healthcare, education, and more. Approximately $675 billion in federal funding is distributed to communities each year based on data from the census. Also, with an accurate and complete count, North Carolina is set to gain a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. Last fiscal year, the town received over $3 million in tax distributions based on population. In the 2010 Census, Holly Springs’ population was 24,661. Holly Springs’ current population is estimated to be more than 40,000.
“Census participation is particularly important in cities and towns that have experienced higher growth rates over the past decade,” Clapp said. “We want to ensure that everyone is counted.”
Census results affect planning and funding for:
Federal highway funding and other infrastructure
Medicaid, Medicare Part B, state funding for children’s health insurance and other healthcare funding
Head Start, Pell Grants, school lunches and other education funding
Vocational rehabilitation grants and other state and federal funding for employment and training
How Did Covid-19 Affect the Census
The Census Bureau has closely monitored the coronavirus situation nationwide.
Because of COVID-19’s possible effect on the nationwide count, the Census Bureau’s deadline for completing the count has been extended two weeks to Aug. 14, 2020.
The priority has continued to be the well-being of census staff and the public. The safest way to complete your census is online or by the phone, using the invitation you received in the mail or by going to https://my2020census.gov.
Your responses are protected by law. The Census Bureau will never ask you for your Social Security number or any financial information. Answers aren’t shared with anyone.
And it only takes 10 minutes of your time. By responding, you’ll eliminate the need for a census taker to come to your home.
Identifying Census Takers
If you do not respond online, by phone or mail, a census taker will visit your home to obtain your household’s information.
A census taker or field representative will present an ID badge that includes their name, a photograph, a U.S. Department of Commerce watermark, and an expiration date.
In addition to the ID badge, census takers and field representatives will have an official bag and Census Bureau-issued electronic device, such as a laptop or smartphone, with the Census Bureau logo.
They will be working between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m.
When in doubt, you can call the Atlanta Regional Office for verification at 1-800-424-6974 weekdays 8 a.m. until 5 p.m.
Get details on how the census is conducted, why it’s important, and how to fill it out, including online, at www.hollyspringsnc.us/census.
