Every. One. Counts. is the official marketing slogan adopted by the U.S. Census in Georgia for the upcoming 2020 U.S. Census. The City of Thomasville has partnered with the Thomas County Board of Commissioners, Thomasville City Schools, Thomas County Schools, Archbold Medical Center and various other community businesses and nonprofits in order to increase awareness of the 2020 Census and help ensure a strong response in Thomas County.
The U.S. Census population count has been held every 10 years since 1790, when Secretary of State Thomas Jefferson supervised the first Census, according to a timeline history on the U.S. Census website. This year's Census will be the 24th in the nation's history.
Locally, the Census determines how federal aid is distributed, how district lines are drawn for Congressional representation, and helps our community plan for the future. By participating in this historic event, Thomas County residents will help improve our community by ensuring we are prepared for the decade ahead.
Georgia received more than $23.8 billion through 55 federal programs in Federal Fiscal Year 2016, totaling more than $2,300 per person. The Census can help shape the future of our community, and responses provide data that is used in determining how federal funds are distributed each year. Programs for areas such as Community Support, Family Services, Education, Food Assistance, Employment, Healthcare, Entrepreneurship, Infrastructure, Environment and Public Safety all rely on accurate Census figures for funding.
“An accurate Census 2020 is important in many ways,” says Kha McDonald, Executive Director – Human Resources & Community Relations. “Our local funding for many federal programs is determined by the community data that is produced by the Census, so it is very important to Thomasville and Thomas County to make sure our funding for the next ten years is in line with our population. This is our chance to get funds to support things such as housing grants, infrastructure projects, health care and disaster response.”
Residents can expect to receive their census forms in the mail beginning March 12th. For the first time, citizens will be able to enter their census information online. Local residents without computers will be able to fill out their census online at the following locations:
- City of Thomasville Administration Office, 111 Victoria Place, Thomasville, GA
- Thomas County Public Library, 201 N. Madison St., Thomasville, GA
- Thomas County Public Library, 250 S. Main St., Boston, GA
- Thomas County Public Library, 1029 E. Verbena Ave., Coolidge, GA 31738
- Thomas County Public Library, 3058 N. East Railroad St., Meigs, GA 31765
- Thomas County Public Library, 1060 N. East Railroad St., Ochlocknee, GA 31773
- Thomas County Public Library, 3031 E. Harris St., Pavo, GA 31778
- Steve’s Hair Gallery, 338 E. Jackson St., Thomasville, GA
- St. Mark AME Church, 700 Lester St., Thomasville, GA
The 2020 Census questionnaire can also be submitted by mail or by phone. Online and phone forms are available in English and 12 additional languages: Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, Russian, Arabic, Tagalog, Polish, French, Haitian Creole, Portuguese, and Japanese.
“Filling out your census form is fast, easy and your personal information is protected by law,” said McDonald. “Also, it is your civic duty. Remember, Every. One. Counts.”
For more information about the 2020 U.S. Census, please visit www.2020census.gov or www.census.georgia.gov or call the City of Thomasville at 229-227-7001.