Privacy Policy
Effective Date: January 1, 2025
Introduction
Heartland HOUSED ("we," "our," "us") is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing confidential assistance to individuals seeking housing, shelter resources, and other support in pursuit of stable housing. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, and protect your information, particularly as it relates to our text-based helpline service. By using our services, you consent to the data practices described in this policy.
Information We Collect
When you use our text messaging service, we collect the following types of information:
- Your Mobile Phone Number: We collect the mobile number you use to text us.
- Message Content: We collect the content of the text messages you send and receive from our service.
- Message Metadata: This includes data such as the date, time, and status of messages sent and received.
- Any Other Information You Provide: This may include your name, general location (e.g., zip code), and any other personal details you voluntarily share during your conversation with our volunteers to help us provide relevant resources.
How We Use Your Information
We use the information we collect for the sole purpose of providing resource navigation services. This includes:
- Responding to Your Requests: We use your information to answer your questions and provide you with information about housing and shelter resources.
- Service Improvement: We may use anonymized and aggregated data to understand the types of requests we receive and improve the quality of our services.
- Legal Compliance: We may use or disclose your information if required by law, such as in response to a subpoena, court order, or other legal process.
No Sharing of Mobile Information
We will not share, sell, or disclose any mobile information with third parties or affiliates for marketing or promotional purposes.
The only instances where we may share data are with service providers that assist us in operating our messaging platform (e.g., our messaging aggregator), and these parties are legally bound to maintain the confidentiality of your information. This is for the technical operation of the service only and does not include sharing for marketing purposes.
Data Security
We take reasonable and appropriate measures to protect your information from unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, and destruction. However, please be aware that no method of transmission over the Internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. While we strive to protect your personal information, we cannot guarantee its absolute security.
Data Retention
We retain your information only as long as is necessary to provide the requested service and for a reasonable period thereafter to comply with our legal obligations. We will dispose of information that is no longer needed in a secure manner.
Your Rights and Choices
- Opt-Out: You have the right to opt out of receiving messages from our service at any time. To do so, simply reply with a keyword such as STOP, END, CANCEL, UNSUBSCRIBE, or QUIT to any message. We will process your request promptly and send a final confirmation.
- Access & Correction: To request access to or correction of your personal information, please contact us using the information provided below.
Changes to this Privacy Policy
We reserve the right to modify this Privacy Policy at any time. Any changes will be posted on our website, and the "Effective Date" at the top of the policy will be updated. We encourage you to review this policy periodically to stay informed about how we are protecting your information.
Contact Us
If you have any questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us at:
- Email: staff@heartlandhoused.org
- Address: 217 E Monroe St, Suite 204 Springfield, IL 62701
Terms and Conditions for Text Messaging Service
Effective Date: January 1, 2025
1. Service Description
The Heartland HOUSED text messaging service is a confidential, text-based helpline that provides information and resources for individuals seeking assistance with housing and shelter. The service is operated by trained volunteers and staff and is intended to provide guidance, not legal or medical advice.
2. Consent to Receive Messages
By sending the first text message to our number, you are providing your express, proactive consent to receive text messages from us in response to your inquiry. This consent is separate from any consent for emails or phone calls and is not a condition for receiving other services from our organization.
- Message and data rates may apply. Please check with your mobile carrier for details on your plan.
3. Opt-In and Opt-Out
- Opt-In: You initiate the conversation and opt in by texting our number.
- Opt-Out: You can opt out of the service at any time. To stop receiving messages, reply with any of the following keywords: STOP, END, CANCEL, UNSUBSCRIBE, or QUIT. Upon receiving your opt-out request, we will send a final confirmation message, and you will no longer receive communications from our service unless you re-initiate contact.
4. Help Information
For more information about our service, reply with the keyword HELP. Our system will respond with a message providing details about the service and how to opt out.
5. No Warranties
Our text messaging service is provided "as is" and "as available." While we strive to provide accurate and helpful information, we make no guarantees, warranties, or representations regarding the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of the information provided. The information provided is for general guidance only. We are not responsible for any decisions you make based on the information provided.
6. Limitation of Liability
Under no circumstances shall [Your Non-profit Name] or its volunteers, staff, or agents be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, or consequential damages resulting from your use or inability to use the text messaging service. This includes, but is not limited to, damages for loss of data, a missed opportunity, or any other financial loss, even if we have been advised of the possibility of such damages.
7. Confidentiality and Privacy
Your privacy is important to us. Your use of this service is governed by our Privacy Policy, which is available on our website at [Link to your Privacy Policy]. Our Privacy Policy details how we collect, use, and protect your information. We do not share your mobile information with third parties for marketing or promotional purposes.
8. User Conduct
You agree to use our text messaging service in a lawful and respectful manner. You agree not to send messages that are unlawful, harmful, threatening, abusive, harassing, defamatory, vulgar, obscene, or otherwise objectionable. We reserve the right to block your number if you violate these terms.
9. Changes to These Terms
We reserve the right to modify these Terms and Conditions at any time without prior notice. The most current version of the Terms will be posted on our website. Your continued use of the service after any changes constitutes your acceptance of the new Terms.
10. Contact Us
If you have any questions about these Terms, please contact us at:
- Email: staff@heartlandhoused.org
- Address: 217 E Monroe St. Suite 204 Springfield, IL 62701