BHA's Guide to the 2020 US Census

What is the census and why is it important to the BHA and its residents?
Once every decade, America comes together to count every resident in the United States, creating national awareness of the importance of the census and its valuable statistics. The decennial census was first taken in 1790, as mandated by the Constitution. When you participate in the census, you help the entire community.  

Boston's funding for housing, education, and healthcare is based on counting everyone we serve, including BHA residents and our voucher holders. Getting counted is one of the most important things you can do to make sure that you and your neighbors have the resources you need to thrive in the next decade. This count will ultimately impact BHA’s funding and the number of low income people we are able to serve.

GET COUNTED

How does the 2020 Census benefit Boston?
It counts our population and households, providing the basis for reapportioning congressional seats, redistricting, and distributing more than $675 billion in federal funds annually to support states, counties and communities’ vital programs — impacting housing, education, transportation, employment, health care and public policy. For residents, this will directly impact the BHA's funding, and our ability to provide critical services, capital improvements and more over the next decade.

Federal funds, grants and support to states, counties and communities are based on population totals and breakdowns by sex, age, race and other factors. Your community benefits the most when the census counts everyone. People in your community use census data in all kinds of ways, such as these:

• Residents use the census to support community initiatives involving legislation, quality-of-life and consumer advocacy.
• Businesses use Census Bureau data to decide where to build factories, offices and stores, and these create jobs.
• Local government officials use the census to ensure public safety and plan new schools and hospitals.
• Real estate developers and city planners use the census to plan new homes and improve neighborhoods.

Ultimately, the success of the census depends on everyone’s participation. The Census Bureau depends on cross-sector collaborations with organizations and individuals to get people to participate.

The 2020 Census is important for you and your community, and you can help. 

For Language Support:
The Census offers support in 59 languages.

To Fill out the Census by phone or online:

844-330-2020 FOR ENGLISH
844-468-2020 FOR SPANISH
WWW.2020Census.gov