Recently the U.S. Census Bureau announced that it would be ending its in-person operations a month earlier than what the Bureau previously said would be necessary to ensure a complete and accurate count of all Americans in light of the delays stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic. September 30 will be the deadline for households to self-respond to the Census by mail, email, or phone.
According to the NC Center for Nonprofits, new analysis from Carolina Demography provides more details about why an early end to the Census count is particularly problematic in North Carolina. Currently, more than 40% of North Carolina households still have not replied to the Census. A massive undercount could cost North Carolina billions of dollars in federal funding for public schools, childcare, health care, affordable housing, food assistance, and many other programs over the next decade. It also could cost North Carolina a 14th seat in the U.S. House of Representatives for the next decade.
NAMI NC urges all North Carolinians to insure they and those in their communities have completed the Census questionnaire either online, by mail, by phone, or through an in-person visit from a Census Bureau representative. More information is available clicking here.
