(MURFREESBORO)  This weekend faith leaders across Tennessee will encourage their congregations to respond to the 2020 Census and encourage their friends and neighbors to do the same. Their messaging is part of a coordinated effort to increase census response in our communities ahead of a full-scale field follow-up effort by the U.S. Census Bureau beginning in August when census takers will visit homes that have not responded.

“2020 Census partners, which include leaders of the faith community, are vital to ensuring a complete and accurate count,” said Faye Anderson, 2020 Census Partnership Coordinator for Tennessee. “As trusted voices, they help get the word out about the importance of responding to the 2020 Census and how results impact the allocation of billions of dollars in federal funding for critical public services in their communities like hospitals, health care clinics, schools, education programs, roads, bridges and emergency response for the next 10 years.”

“We are glad to be working with the Census Bureau and their local partners in support of a complete count for the 2020 Census,” said Rev. Edwin C. Sanders II of Metropolitan Interdenominational Church in Nashville. “The 2020 Census means more than appropriate funding for our schools and infrastructure, it means our communities are seen, served, and our voices heard.”

When more people respond on their own on the internet at my2020census.gov, by phone at 844-330-2020, or through the mail, the number of homes that have to be visited is reduced.

The U.S. Constitution mandates a census of the population every 10 years. The goal of the 2020 Census is to count everyone who lives in the United States on April 1, 2020 (Census Day). Census statistics are used to determine the number of seats each state holds in the U.S. House of Representatives and informs how billions of dollars in federal funds will be allocated by state, local and federal lawmakers annually for the next 10 years. 

For more information, visit 2020census.gov.