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The 2020 Census: The problem with undercounts

Census logos together horiz

The framers of the U.S. Constitution chose population to be the basis for sharing political power, not wealth or land.

In order to accurately do that, we conduct a census every ten years. The goal of the census is to count the entire population of the United States (at the locations where each person lives) in order to fairly disperse federal funds and apportion representatives across states based on population. The goal is to count everyone once—and only once—in the right place.

Unfortunately, that doesn’t always happen.

Miscounting during the census

It’s not an easy undertaking—counting millions of people—and mistakes will happen. The census can overcount and undercount people. In an overcount, some people are counted more than once. In an undercount, some people aren’t counted at all.

And it’s not just a handful of people who are miscounted. In 2010, the census missed an estimated 16 million people. That’s nearly 5% of the population. Although that might seem like a small percentage, it has big consequences for undercounted communities.

In 2010, North Minneapolis was undercounted by more than 7,000 people. This resulted in a loss of two city council members and almost $200 million in federal funding over 10 years. By undercounting such a significant portion of the population, residents lost political power and representation that would protect their interests, as well as crucial funding for schools, hospitals, roads, Medicaid, and other programs.

That’s not the outcome the U.S. Census Bureau hopes for. Their goal is to get as accurate a count as possible. They’ve identified populations that tend to be undercounted and populations that tend to be overcounted in an effort to get more accurate numbers.

Undercounts: Hard-to-count populations

Hard-to-count populations are difficult to count for a variety of reasons. Some have trouble participating in the census if there’s a language barrier, they have low literacy rates, or they lack internet access. Some don’t want to participate in the census if they distrust the government. And some are merely unaware. Those living in apartments, the highly mobile, and those experiencing homelessness are difficult for the census to find, contact, and count.

Populations that fall into the hard-to-count category are young children, the highly mobile, racial and ethnic minorities, non-English speakers, those experiencing homelessness, low-income persons, and those living in multi-family housing.

Overcounts

Communities that tend to be overcounted are affluent and white populations. When a child is away at college, they can be counted both at school and at home by their parents. Those who own more than one home can also be counted at both locations.

Why are overcounts and undercounts harmful?

When a community is undercounted, fewer federal dollars are sent there. When a community is overcounted, more federal dollars are sent there. The disproportionate allocation of nearly a trillion dollars of funding further exacerbates inequities across the country.

In communities where residents rely on federally-funded programs, reduced funding can have a huge impact. This puts more pressure on social service nonprofits to meet needs that were once fulfilled through federal funding.

Beyond funding allocation, population data is crucial for development. Businesses use this information to determine where to build new stores or factories—decisions that can create jobs and improve the local economy.

Undercounting can also affect important political representation. Depending on the extent of an undercount, a state could lose seats in the House of Representatives. Currently, Minnesota has eight representatives whose job is to advocate for Minnesotans and their interests. The state is in danger of losing one of these representatives if we are not accurately counted.

What Neighborhood House is doing to help get an accurate count

Because Neighborhood House works with many populations that are identified as “hard-to-count,” we’re focusing our efforts in the coming months on census awareness and education. Through the month of March and April, we’re providing help days where anyone in the community can come in and receive help filling out the census. If you or someone you know would like help completing the census, visit the Wellstone Center during any of the dates and times below.

Census Help Days from March 10 – April 9
Tuesdays: 8:30 – 10:30 a.m.
Wednesday: 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Thursdays: 2:30 – 4:30 p.m. and 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
April 1 (Census Day!): 8:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.

Please fill out and submit the form below to contact us.

Birgitta Anderson | Child Development Specialist

Birgitta comes to Neighborhood House as a licensed K-6 teacher with a bachelor’s degree in Urban Elementary Education from Metropolitan State University, as well as a degree in Science Communication and Environmental Journalism from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.  As a former classroom teacher for St. Paul Public School, as well as years of experience as a substitute teacher for the district, she comes with a wealth of knowledge in helping families prepare their children for entering the school system.  Her role at Neighborhood House is conducting home visits and supporting families in getting their children school ready.  She also supports in the Small Steps Childcare program, as well as in the Skills for School classroom.  Her hobbies include cycling, rock climbing, and spending time in nature.

Carrie Sowada | Child Development Specialist

Carrie comes to Neighborhood House as a recent graduate of the U of M’s Family Social Science program, where they graduated with distinction. They have more than five years of experience working with and mentoring children in St. Cloud area youth programs, as well as customer service and restaurant experience. Additionally, Carrie has experience in community building, advocacy, and working with children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. In their spare time, Carrie enjoys crocheting. It’s their favorite hobby. 

Valerie Dorschner | Early Childhood Instructor

Valerie has worked at Neighborhood House since 2004.

Valerie leads the Skills for School preschool program and is responsible for the curriculum. She has over 20 years of experience in early childhood working with parents and children, and has training and experience working with neurodiverse and dual language students.

  • Valerie is a licensed teacher with a bachelor’s degree in Education from the University of St. Thomas.
  • She holds licenses in elementary education and in early childhood education, and has several years of experience
    teaching elementary school.

Valerie enjoys her free time with her five children and one grandchild.

Victoria Campoverde

Victoria Campoverde is the program manager of Neighborhood House’s Latino Leadership Program. She is originally from Peru and was a licensed high school teacher in her home country.

Her extensive experience within the education sector exemplifies her commitment to education and families.

  • Currently, she serves as the Cultural Liaison between Columbia Heights School District and Anoka-Hennepin School District.
  • In 2008 Victoria began working with The Amherst H. Wilder Foundation’s Latino Leadership Program on adapting their curriculum for the Latinx community. Since then, she has continued working in the Latino Leadership Program after its 2020 transition to Neighborhood House.
  • Coauthor of Education: Our Best Legacy (EOBL), a school success program designed for parents or caregivers with one or more children in middle school. EOBL is part of the Partnering for School Success project (PSS) with the University of Minnesota’s Extension program.
  • Lead teacher and Program Director at Joyce Preschool.
  • A 25 on the Rise, Latino Leader recipient from the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce in 2006.
  • Facilitator with different Latino parent programs in the Twin Cities.
  • President of Kuyayki Peru MN Cultural Association.

For Victoria it is important to value ones culture and cultivate ones heritage. She believes in the importance of empowering the community through her work with Neighborhood House and the Latino Leadership Program. During her free time Victoria enjoys dancing.

Winter / Spring Fresh Produce Distributions Events*

(November – May) take place at Metro State University in St. Paul. During each event, we distribute approximately 3,000 pounds of food to approximately 75-100 families on average.

For additional questions about the Food Markets, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions page.

Event guideline and details: Our fresh produce events are open to everyone!

  • Requirements: Not a thing, just yourself. An identification is not required to attend.
  • Recommendations: You will want to bring your own bags and a cart if you have one.
  • COVID-19: This event is held indoors, masks are encouraged.
  • Please note that your fist visit will require an onsite registration process that will take 5-10 minutes to complete.
  • Parking: You can park in the Metro State ramp parking for $5. Otherwise, street parking is available along 7th St. and Bates Avenue.
  • If available, please consider brining your own reusable bags. On average our visitors take home around 40 pounds of food. 

Location

Metropolitan State University

(Student Center Room)
101 690 E 7th St
St. Paul, MN 55106

TIME – 2:30–4 P.M.

DATES – November 15, 2023 | December 13, 2023 

January 10, 2024 | February 14, 2024 | March 13, 2024 | April 10, 2024 | May 8, 2024

 

* Weather permitting – If there are thunderstorms or excessive heat warnings, we may cancel the event and / or events. For more information and event cancellation updates, please call (651) 789-3630.

Still have questions? Kindly email Kaitlin Lee, Fresh Produce Coordinator

Summer / Fall distributions* (Summer 2023)

From July to October, all are welcome to come pick up a variety of free fruits and vegetables for family and friends at five St. Paul locations. 

The distributions are held outdoors and are farmer’s market style. No documentation or identification is required to participate.

For additional questions about Food Support, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions page

Event guideline and details: Our fresh produce events are open to everyone!

  • Requirements: Not a thing, just yourself. An identification is not required to attend.
  • Recommendations: You may want to bring your own bags and a cart if you have one. On average, visitors will leave with approximately 40 pounds of fresh produce per event. 
  • Please note that your fist visit will require an onsite registration process that will take 5-10 minutes to complete.
  • Parking: You can on the street at most of our locations. At the Wellstone Center, you may park in our ramp.
 

Locations

The Wellstone Center*

179 Robie Street
St. Paul, MN 55107

Dates

Every 2nd and 4th Wednesday
From July to October
7/12, 7/26, 8/9, 8/23, 9/13, 9/27, 10/11, 10/25
Hours: 1:30 – 3pm

VIEW OUR FLYER

Dayton's Bluff Elementary*

262 Bates Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55106

Dates

Every 2nd Thursday
From July to October
7/13, 8/10,  9/14, 10/12
Hours: 2 – 3:30pm

VIEW OUR FLYER

Francis Basket Food Market*

1293 East Maynard Drive #410
St. Paul, MN 55116

Dates

Every 3rd wednesday
From July to October
7/19, 8/16, 9/20, 10/18
Hours: 1:30 – 3pm

VIEW OUR FLYER

bruce vento elementary

409 case ave e
St. Paul, MN 551

Dates

every 4th thursday From July to October
7/27 (CANCELLED DUE TO HEAT), 8/24, 9/28, 10/26
Hours: 2 – 3:30pm

VIEW OUR FLYER

St. Paul music academy

27 geranium ave St. Paul, MN 55117

Dates

every 1st thursday From august & October
8/3, 10/5
Hours: 2 – 3:30pm

VIEW OUR FLYER

* Weather permitting – If there are thunderstorms or excessive heat warnings, we may cancel the event and / or events. For more information and event cancellation updates, please call (651) 789-3630.

Still have questions? Kindly email Katelyn Yee, Fresh Produce Coordinator.

Food Market Location

Francis Basket

1293 East Maynard Drive #410
St Paul, MN 55116
Phone: (651) 699-0986

Building Hours

Monday

9AM – 11:30AM

Tuesday & WEDNESDAYS

9AM – 11:30AM
1PM – 4PM

Highland / Sibley Manor

Food Market Location

The Wellstone Center

179 Robie Street
St. Paul, MN 55107
Phone: (651) 789-2500
Food Market Info: (651) 789-3630

Appointment Scheduling Hours

Monday – Friday

9AM – 4PM

Appointment Scheduling Hours

Mondays

TUESDAYS – FRIDAY

 

EVERY THIRD SATURDAY

 

  • 1PM – 4PM 
  • 9AM – 11:30AM
  • 1PM – 3:30PM

 

  • 10AM – 2PM
Wellstone Center Food Market

St. Paul Music Academy

27 Geranium Avenue East
St Paul, MN 55117
Service Connect: (651) 789-3602

Building Hours

Monday – Friday

9AM – 4PM

St. Paul Music Academy

John A. Johnson Elementary

740 York Avenue
St Paul, MN 55106
Service Connect: (651) 789-3602

Building Hours

Monday – Friday

9AM – 4PM

John A. Johnson Elementary

Highland / Sibley Manor Apartments

1300 West Maynard Drive
St Paul, MN 55116
Service Connect: (651) 789-3602

Building Hours

Monday – Friday

9AM – 4PM

Highland / Sibley Manor

Dayton's Bluff Elementary

262 Bates Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55106
Service Connect: (651) 789-3602

Building Hours

Monday – Friday

9AM – 4PM

Dayton's Bluff Elementary

Bruce Vento Elementary

409 Case Avenue East
St Paul, MN 55130
Service Connect: (651) 789-3602

Building Hours

Monday – Friday

9AM – 4PM

Bruce Vento Elementary

Main Campus

The Wellstone Center

179 Robie Street
St. Paul, MN 55107
Main Phone: (651) 789-2500
Service Connect: (651) 789-3602
Food Market Info: (651) 789-3630

Building Hours

Monday – Friday

8AM – 9PM

Saturday

8AM – 4PM

Sunday

NOON – 5PM

The Wellstone Center

Parking

The Wellstone Center Parking Ramp is located on the west side of the main building. The ramp has three levels with one elevator bank. Take the elevator to the first floor and follow the signs towards the information desk.
Parking is free.

Note: Building hours may be adjusted due to holidays, emergencies, program changes or weather. Check our website homepage and social media for possible building hour changes.