It’s a new decade, which means it’s time to participate in the U.S. Census. Delta College made a commitment to help raise awareness about the importance of taking the census, because it strongly affects the Great Lakes Bay Region (GLBR).

The college’s public TV and radio stations have been on the air during the coronavirus shut-down and continue to share important census messages.

“Participation in the census affects our daily lives, from food assistance programs and shelters to road projects and public transportation,” said Chloe Noelle Updegraff, regional census hub coordinator for the GLBR. “Information about where people live has helped emergency planners provide federal disaster relief and plan coronavirus testing centers. This is further evidence of how important it is for our region to get an accurate census count.”

Mailings went out in March, but it’s not too late. You can still respond online, by phone, or by mail. Everyone in your household should be counted.

“If you don’t get counted, we risk losing important services that impact our students, faculty, staff members and community members in Midland, Bay and Saginaw counties, and beyond,”
said Dr. Jean Goodnow, president of Delta. “Let’s stand up and build our community. Being counted is an easy way to do that.” 

Census facts and figures:

• 9 questions on the survey
• 10 minutes to complete
• $1,800 in federal funding received for each person counted
• 40% of Michigan's funding comes from the federal government
• Vital community services are lost, when funding is lost
• Confidental information is note shared
• Deadline for completion is August, but don't wait – complete your survey today!

Visit my2020census.gov to get started. Call in your answers at 844-330-2020.