Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Fort Bend Family Promise ("we," "us," "our," or "Company") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website at fortbendfamilypromise.org (the "Site") and use our services, including our text messaging program for service inquiries and client communications.

2. Information We Collect

We collect information you voluntarily provide when you:

• Contact us through our website contact forms
• Request information about our services
• Opt in to receive SMS text messages
• Make donations
• Volunteer with us
• Participate in our programs

Types of Information Collected:

• Name
• Email address
• Phone number (for text message communications)
• Address
• Family composition and housing situation (only when you apply for services)
• Payment information (for donations, processed securely)

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect for the following purposes:

• Service Delivery: To provide housing assistance, case management, and related services to eligible families
• Communications: To respond to your inquiries, send appointment reminders, and provide program updates
• Text Message Program: To send SMS messages related to your application status, service appointments, and program information (only with your explicit consent)
• Program Improvement: To improve our services and measure program outcomes
• Compliance: To comply with legal obligations and regulatory requirements
• Internal Record-Keeping: To maintain records necessary for our 501(c)(3) nonprofit operations

4. Text Messaging Consent

When you opt in to receive text messages from Fort Bend Family Promise, you are providing explicit consent to receive SMS communications to the phone number you provide. This consent is separate and distinct from any other privacy or terms of service consent you may provide.

Text Message Opt-In Includes:

• Service appointment reminders
• Program updates and important information
• Housing resources and referral information
• Occasional service notifications
• Message frequency varies based on your program participation

Message and Data Rates May Apply. Standard SMS rates apply and may be charged by your mobile carrier.

To Opt Out: Text STOP to any message you receive from us, and you will be unsubscribed from our SMS program. Reply HELP for help with text messages or customer service.

5. Data Sharing and Protection

No mobile information will be shared with third parties or affiliates for marketing or promotional purposes. All text messaging originator opt-in data and consent information will not be shared with any third parties.

We may share information with:

• Subcontractors and service providers (such as case managers, housing providers, and customer service representatives) who support our operations and are bound by confidentiality agreements
• Partner agencies and referral organizations to help you access additional resources (only with your consent)
• Government agencies as required by law

We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to external marketing lists or third-party marketers.

6. Data Security

We implement reasonable security measures to protect your information from unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. However, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security of your personal information.

7. Your Rights

Depending on your location, you may have the right to:

• Access the personal information we hold about you
• Request correction of inaccurate information
• Request deletion of your information (subject to legal retention requirements)
• Opt out of communications (including text messages)

To exercise any of these rights, contact us at:

8. Children's Privacy

Our services are not directed to children under age 18 as primary recipients, though we serve families with children. We do not knowingly collect personal information directly from children under 13. If we become aware that a child under 13 has provided us with personal information without parental consent, we will delete such information promptly.

9. Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of external sites. We encourage you to review their privacy policies before providing personal information.

10. Policy Changes

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Changes will be effective immediately upon posting to our website. Your continued use of our services constitutes acceptance of our updated Privacy Policy.

11. Contact Information