Census Day is almost here and in the next two weeks, the questionnaires will be arriving in 120 million mail boxes nationwide.

This week, DeKalb elected officials and the Atlanta Regional Commission stepped up efforts to remind people to complete and return the forms ahead of the April 1 deadline.

The census, which is taken once every 10 years, attempts to count every adult and child living in the country. Its results are used to determine how more than $445 billion in federal funds – for everything from schools to roads to senior centers – are distributed to state, local, and tribal governments over the next decade. It also affects representation in Congress and the Electoral College.

The 10-question form is the shortest census form in U.S. history. Census officials say it will take just 10 minutes to fill out. It consists of questions about the number of people living in your home and some demographic information about them.

On Thursday, Congressman Hank Johnson urged residents of the 4th District and all Georgians to fill out and return the 2010 Census form.

“Our community can’t afford to lose out on crucial federal funds and programs,” Johnson said. “In order to get our fair share of funding for our community, we must count everyone. Our schools, libraries, community centers and so many other important programs all rely on Census results.”

On March 15, census officials will unveil a 20-foot replica of the 2010 Census Form at Underground Atlanta.

Atlanta is one of 13 cities nationwide displaying the giant form, designed to increase awareness and participation in the census by familiarizing the public with the questionnaire’s look and feel.

In the 2000, only 67 percent of US residents responded to the Census, an estimated undercount of more than 3 million people.

A recent Price Waterhouse Coopers report, estimates that the areas affected by that undercounting lost about $2,913 in federal funding for every person who wasn’t counted.

Johnson said he doesn’t want the 4th District, which he represents, to miss out.

“I hope you all join me in filling out the Census form,” he said. “It is the best way to help our community, our schools, and our children. Join me. Stand up and be counted.”

To pump up interest in the census, the DeKalb Complete Count Committee, headed by DeKalb Commissioner Connie Stokes, is kicking off its Census Caravans through hard-to-count neighborhoods this weekend.

Stokes says everyone in DeKalb County needs to be counted whether they are living with relatives or friends temporarily, and regardless of their immigration status.

“Every person living in the United States of America uses resources,” she said. “We drive on roads, utilize educational services, visit libraries, and have the comfort that our neighborhoods are protected by police officers. Funding for resources is determined by the census count.”

Stokes said that undocumented immigrants and families have nothing to fear from the census.

“The census form does not ask about immigration status,” she said. “Census responses are completely confidential and protected by the strongest national privacy laws on the books.”

The first of three caravans – escorted by police and fire vehicles – will meander through Decatur and Ellenwood on March 13. Participants will depart at noon from the parking lot at St. Philip AME church at the corner of Memorial Drive and Candler Road.

Caravans are also planned for Doraville and Chamblee on March 20, and for Decatur, Lithonia and Stone Mountain on March 27.

On March 25, she is urging neighborhood groups to host Census Nights, festivals, block parties a to motivate residents to complete and return their forms.

Stokes office is seeking volunteers to ride in the 40-50 car caravans through the communities. To volunteer, e-mail conniestokes@co.dekalb.ga.us, sign up www.conniestokes.org, or call 404-371-3053.