ULLIN, Ill. (WSIL) -- As the U-S Census begins to change their focus of collecting vital information about residents one Illinois health department hopes area residents can step it up.
Here are the response rates for residents filling out the 2020 census in the southern seven Illinois counties.
The numbers haven't dramatically changed in the last month. The lowest percent response is Hardin County at 31-percent and Union County has the best response at 65-percent.
"It helps provide service for the elderly and the very young," Rhine said. "It also prepares us for pandemics, flooding, earthquakes and so on. So when people don't return their census the government looks at that and thinks may be those people just aren't there. Maybe the population isn't there to justify us sending money for those resources."
Rhine's organization is is not connected to the U.S. Census Bureau but benefits from a good response.
"It's so much easier to call in and get your Census done or to complete it online then it is to wait for them to start knocking at your door," said Shawnna Rhine, Community Outreach Coordinator for the Southern 7 Health Department.
Residents can expect to see door-to-door census takers as early as next month. The Southern Seven Health Department hopes the more people turn in their census the more money social services will see in funding over the next ten years.
According to the census information there is 12 questions that allows the Census Bureau to develop data about families, households, and other groups. Relationship data is used in planning and funding government programs that support families, including people raising children alone.
Residents who use a post office box for their mailing address are not expected to get a Census questionnaire in the mail. You have until Oct 31st.
They'll be going door-to-door in select areas like Kansas City this week. They're scheduled to go everywhere starting August 11. That means you could see someone at your door soon if you haven't complied.
"They could knock on your door every week for about four weeks," Rhine said. "So if you want to avoid that get your census done."
Census takers will have a U.S. Department of Commerce ID, are expected to wear a mask, conduct the interviews outside and social distance.
"You can call us and we'll help you get it done," Rhine said.
If you'd like to
"We want the government to know you're here and makes sure those resources are here for us, our kids and our grandparents as time goes on, " Rhine said.
