The 2020 Census is coming, and it’s crucial that everyone be counted!
The Census takes place every 10 years and counts every person living in the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and five US territories. The results are used in allocating the distribution of $675 billion in federal funds, as well as in reapportioning the House of Representatives and determining the boundaries of congressional and state legislative districts. This information is also used in dozens of other ways including planning for hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, and other health services; health and educational services for people with disabilities, and public transportation services.
The results are extremely important for Winona County because they determine how much funding comes into the county for everything from roads to human services programs.
A number of organizations in Winona County are working together through the Census 2020 Complete Count Winona County Committee to spread the word about this important process. The committee is a nonpartisan volunteer group of individuals and organizations across the city and county who connect with hard-to-reach populations and encourage them to participate in the Census. The committee is coordinated by Engage Winona, with help from the City of Winona and Winona County.
The Census can directly influence the amount of state and federal funding available for organizations like Home and Community Options that serve individuals with developmental disabilities. HCO staff, Rebecca Wolfe, has been taking part in the Complete Count Committee. The knowledge that she has gained will help her support and be available to take questions, find answers and guide the staff and the individuals we support in navigating the 2020 Census process.
We are working with our residential teams to make sure we are meeting the reporting requirements to ensure an accurate count of the individuals living in our residential homes (group quarters).
People living in their own homes should watch their mailboxes for a postcard in mid-March providing information about how to be counted. Online, mail, and phone options are all available. The information submitted is confidential and cannot be shared.
You are an important member of our community and your voice matters – make sure you are counted!
