2010 Census San Antonio visits with homeless at Christmas Under the Bridge

Approximately 4,830 homeless were counted in the 2000 Census; however, it is possible that many more went uncounted. To ensure a most accurate count of every homeless person living in San Antonio, the 2010 Census Complete Count Committee will visit with the homeless at the Christmas Under the Bridge event on Saturday, December 5 to inform them how to participate in the Census when it arrives in March 2010.

Although more than 600,000 households in Bexar County and San Antonio will receive the Census form by mail, many historically, undercounted populations, like the homeless, will receive assistance from a Census Bureau worker to complete the form.
 
"Taking a most accurate count of the homeless population is essential to future funding of City and County-run healthcare and social service programs that directly benefit them," said Nick Lee, chair of the Special (Elderly and Homeless) population subcommittee of the Complete Count Committee. "Participating in Christmas Under the Bridge is only one way we are reaching out to the homeless to let them know that we care about them and will make sure they are represented in the next Census."

During the Christmas Under the Bridge event, the City and County Complete Count Committee will distribute toiletries, and other items to the homeless. Some of the items were generously donated by Holiday Inn Express San Antonio Airport.

In order to successfully obtain a complete count of everyone living in the area, the Census Bureau established partnerships with local governments called Complete Count Committees. These committees, appointed by City Council and Bexar County Commissioners, are made up of civic, business and non-profit individuals to help generate awareness at the grass roots level. The Complete Count Committee began mobilizing the effort by participating in a variety of community fairs since September. Partnerships with school districts, faith-based organizations and others will help ensure a complete count for San Antonio and Bexar County.

For more information on the 2010 Census San Antonio campaign, visit www.sanantonio.gov/census.