Province News

Heartland Center Releases Report: Census 2000- Northwest Indiana's Changing Population
Thursday, April 04, 2002

The Heartland Center recently released this report which details the social policy implications of population change in Northwest Indiana
Hammond, IN- Heartland Center recently released its report, Census 2000- Northwest Indiana's Changing Population . The report examines data from the last three census periods and considers how the population of the region, which consists or Lake, Porter, and LaPorte Counties, has changed. Heartland Center determined that the demographic shifts in the region present significant political and social policy challenges for legislators.

Fr. Tom Gannon, SJ, is director of Heartland Center
Some Facts from the Report

The region has experienced a slight increase in population during the last 30 years.

The region has become more diverse racially and ethnically. However, there is significant segregation between regional residents of different races.

The region's population is aging. 12.7% are age 65 and older, compared to 7% in 1970.

The report also considers how these changes will affect the lives of residents of Northwest Indiana both positively and negatively and helps to raise issues on behalf of residents. Continued segregation leads to a divisive us vs them mentailty according to the report. The increasing number of Hispanic residents means the number of residents with limited English skills may increase. The aging of the population will strain social services.

By highlighting these issues and trends now, Heartland Center hopes to give legislators and policymakers the tools required to understand the region so that they may work on behalf of it.

Heartland Center is a not-for-profit organization serving the people of Northwest indiana through research on social issues, educational programs, leadership training and community coalition building. Its mission is to work in solidarity with all segments of society, especially the poor, to construct a more just and human society.

Heartland Center was founded in 1987 as a joint project of the Catholic Diocese of Gary and the Chicago Province of the Society of Jesus.

If you would like a copy of Census 2000 please call 773.975.8181 or e-mail george@chicagoprovincejesuits.org