Outreach to Group Quarters Facilities Begins Ahead of 2020 Census

The U.S. Census Bureau began contacting group quarters facilities across the nation this week ahead of the 2020 Census Group Quarters Operation – the way the Census Bureau ensures an accurate count of individuals who live or stay in a group living arrangement.

Learn More

Group quarters include facilities such as college/university student housing, residential treatment centers, military barracks, nursing/skilled nursing facilities, group homes, and correctional facilities.

The Group Quarters Advance Contact Operation takes place Feb. 3 to March 6, and helps the Census Bureau identify administrators who can assist in counting those living in their group quarters facilities.

As part of the Group Quarters Operation, the Census Bureau collects information specific to service-based locations that serve people experiencing homelessness, known as the Service-Based Enumeration operation. These locations include soup kitchens, emergency and transition shelters, regularly scheduled mobile food vans, outdoor locations and other places where people are known to sleep. 

Resources for the Media

We're here to help you get the most out of our tipsheets, press releases, trainings, and media services. If you have a question, give us a call at 301-763-3030 or contact our Public Information Office at pio@census.gov.