“Checking Our List and Checking It Twice—Get Counted”
With Census Day less than eight months away, the City of Gary announced an official countdown to Census 2020. The launch included the release of the city’s unifying message to encourage participation among all residents through the simple phrase: Checking Our List and Checking It Twice—Get Counted 2020.
The U.S. Census plays a major role toward the quality of life in the City of Gary. The Census helps to shape decisions about how federal funds are disbursed to communities for housing, healthcare, roads, schools, hospitals, emergency services and other programs. More specifically, the federal government’s distribution of more than $675 million annually to communities is determined by the number of residents counted through the Census. Thus, an accurate census count is extremely important for the best financial distribution to local government.
The City of Gary established the Gary Complete Count Committee (GCCC) in June 2019. The GCCC is tasked with creating awareness, to educate and to motivate Gary residents to be counted in the Census. The volunteer committee will formulate an awareness plan for the city and will work through Census Day, April 1, 2020 promoting the message of the importance of the most accurate Census count for Gary.
“Reports from the Census count 10 years ago indicate we need to do a better job getting the message out and encouraging our residents to participate in the 2020 Census,” said Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson. “We have assembled a diverse group of community-based leaders to serve on the Gary Complete Count Committee that will utilize their influence and resources in our outreach efforts. Dr. Vanessa Allen-McCloud, President and CEO, Urban League Northwest Indiana serves as Chair. Dr. Sharron Liggins, Executive Director, Continuum of Care Network of Northwest Indiana and Arlene Colvin, Esq., Director of Community Development serve as co-chairs.
As Gary begins to rebound, it becomes even more important to accurately capture the city’s progress. The committee aims to have residents understand their participation determines the federal dollars invested into programs and services are important to the city’s growth. A successful count will help ensure the city will receive a true total share of funding. The 2020 Census is a priority for the City of Gary. It is an opportunity for everyone residing in the city of Gary to be counted. Checking Our List and Checking It Twice—Get Counted 2020
Other GCCC members include: Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson; LaShawn Brooks, City Lead/Mayor’s Office of Constituent Services; Penelope Love, Aetna Manor Revitalization Program; Justin Harris, President, ETitle and Escrow; Kathy Malone, IUN Director of Executive Administration; Ola Morris, Urban League NWI Federation of Block Clubs; Zully Alvarado, Causes for Change; Dr. Richard Barnes, Devin Hall; Gary Olund, Executive Director Northwest Indiana Community Action; Chelsea Whittington, CWHITT PR; Diana Sandlin, Workforce Development Consultant; and LaLosa Dent Burns, Director of Communications. Councilman Ron Brewer and Mayor-elect Jerome Prince are named Honorary Chairs. In addition, a number of others have been identified to serve on the various committees.
Census officials have made completing the 2020 Census easier than ever before. Residents will have three ways they can respond to the 2020 Census—online, by mail or by phone. Also, the Census Bureau is now hiring for a variety of jobs. Gary residents are encouraged to apply for Census jobs. For more information go to the Census website 2020census.- gov/jobs.
