Free event in North Charleston encourages more participation in 2020 U.S. Census
On Saturday, Sept. 26 , community members came out to raise awareness about millions of federal dollars that are at stake this year at Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist Church. Trident United Way’s Census 2020 drop-in lunch and celebration encouraged more people to fill out their Census forms. The last day to complete the 2020 Census is Oct. 31.
Census participation is vital to our region receiving federal funding based on an accurate population count. For every 100 persons not counted in 2020 Census, it equals several millions in federal resources that will be sent to other states instead of South Carolina over the next decade.
Trident United Way teamed up with community groups including Destiny Community Café, El Informador media, Universal Latin News, the League of Women Voters of Charleston and the College of Charleston School of Law Student Associations to host the free event.
Volunteers also helped with a voter registration drive.
Staff and volunteers, including Spanish and Portuguese speakers helped people to complete their Census form online. Free box lunches were provided by Destiny Community Café. Music and door prizes along with free voter registration.
Click here to learn more about 2020 Census effort.
“United Way is out here to promote the Census because we want our community to get the money it deserves." said Robert Doty / Trident United Way Census 2020 Complete Count Committee Leader. "It’s estimated that for every 100 persons not counted in South Carolina, that’s more than $24 million dollars that we miss out to other states.”