As you know, Polish Hill has a Block Watch team. The Polish Hill Block Watch received some suggestions from our Zone 2 information officer about the 2010 Census and how the Census workers will be approaching the public to get the appropriate information. If you are interested in participating in the Polish Hill Block Watch, contact us at phcablockwatch@gmail.com. You can also receive updates on safety issues in Polish Hill on the Polish Hill Block Watch Facebook page.

Responding accurately to the census can have a positive impact on how Polish Hill is perceived. The information gathered during the census influences decisions on representation and services for the neighborhood. We ask that you take this into consideration when you receive your census form.

The first phase of the 2010 U.S. Census is under way as workers have begun verifying the addresses of households across the country. With the U.S. Census process beginning, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) wishes to keep the public informed:

**If a U.S. Census worker knocks on your door, they will have a badge, a handheld device, a Census Bureau canvas bag, and a Confidentiality Notice… Ask to see their Identification and their Badge before answering their questions.

**Census workers are currently only knocking on doors to verify address information. Do NOT give Your Social Security number, credit card or banking information to anyone, even if they claim they need it for the U.S. Census.

**The only question you are required to answer is “How many people live at this address?”

While the Census Bureau might ask for basic financial information, such as a salary range, YOU ARE NOT REQUIRED TO PROVIDE ANY ANSWERS REGARDING YOUR FINANCIAL SITUATION. The Census Bureau will not ask for Social Security, bank account, or credit card numbers, nor will employees solicit for donations. Anyone asking for this type of information is NOT with the Census Bureau.

THE CENSUS BUREAU HAS DECIDED NOT TO WORK WITH ACORN ON GATHERING THIS INFORMATION. NO Acorn worker should approach you saying he/she is with the Census Bureau.

At some point Census workers may contact you by telephone, mail, or in person at your home. However, the Census Bureau will not contact you by E-mail. Be aware of E-mail scams impersonating the Census Bureau. Never click on a link or open any attachments in an E-mail that are supposedly from the U.S. Census Bureau.