Working with Congressman Dwight Evans, Philly Counts is hosting a socially distanced car and bike caravan to raise awareness about the 2020 Census in neighborhoods with the lowest response rates.
PHILADELPHIA — On Saturday, August 1 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm, Philly Counts and Congressman Dwight Evans (D-PA-3rd) are co-hosting a driving and biking census caravan to remind residents to participate in the 2020 Census. The caravan will drive through Strawberry Mansion, Mantua and Belmont, neighborhoods which are historically undercounted in the census and are currently reporting response rates lower than the city’s average. Representatives from the U.S. Census Bureau will accompany the caravan, along with local and state elected officials, including Councilmember Gauthier, Senator Street, and Representative Bullock.
The caravan is a part of Philly Counts’ Summer of Census outreach campaign. “This summer, our team is focused on taking action,” said Stephanie Reid, Executive Director of Philly Counts. “We are getting census information out to residents in their neighborhoods, places of service, and through trusted messengers. This caravan is intended to remind these neighborhoods that they count in the 2020 Census and there is still time to complete it.”
Congressman Evans suggested the census caravan as a method of in-person community outreach that won’t break the City’s social distancing guidance. “Spending the five or ten minutes to do the census online or over the phone means someone won’t need to come to your door during the coronavirus pandemic,” he said.
“For every Philadelphian counted in the census, that brings home $21,000 over ten years in federal funding per person counted — for our schools, transit and health care right here in Philadelphia. It’s also vital for ensuring equal political representation for our communities in Harrisburg and Washington,” Congressman Evans added.
Caravan participants will meet at 2801 W Dauphin St. at 10:30 am before processing out along the route through Strawberry Mansion, Mantua and Belmont. The Department of Public Health guidelines will be enforced and everyone will be encouraged to remain in their vehicles for the duration of the caravan.For more information about the caravan, please email census@phila.gov.