Terms of Service

1. Acceptance of Terms

By accessing and using the Fort Bend Family Promise website and services, you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service. If you do not agree to these terms, please do not use our services. We reserve the right to modify these terms at any time. Your continued use constitutes acceptance of modifications.

2. Service Description

• Information and assistance for families experiencing housing insecurity in Fort Bend County
• Case management and housing support services
• SMS text message communications regarding applications and services
• Community resource referrals

3. Eligibility and Program Criteria

Fort Bend Family Promise serves:

• Families with children under age 18 (subject to program capacity)
• Fort Bend County residents
• Families willing to participate in program requirements

We do not accept applications from individuals with:

• Active illegal substance use
• Felony convictions (certain circumstances may be considered)
• Serious untreated mental illness without treatment plan

All applicants undergo a criminal background check as part of the screening process.

4. SMS Text Message Program

4.1 Consent and Opt-In

• Your consent to receive SMS text messages is voluntary and separate from all other consents
• Opt-in consent cannot be a condition of purchasing goods or services
• All consent checkboxes must be unchecked by default
• You may opt out at any time by texting STOP

4.2 Message Frequency and Types

Permitted message types include:

• Appointment reminders and scheduling confirmations
• Program status updates
• Housing resource information
• Service notifications
• Occasional program announcements

Frequency varies based on your participation level and program stage, ranging from occasional messages to multiple messages per week during active case management.

4.3 Message and Data Rates

Message and data rates may apply. Standard SMS rates charged by your mobile carrier apply to all text messages. Fort Bend Family Promise does not charge additional fees beyond standard carrier rates.

4.4 Customer Care and Support

For assistance with our text message program:

• Text HELP to receive help information
• Text STOP to unsubscribe from SMS messages
• Call us: 281-403-3923
• Email: [email protected]

Response time for HELP and STOP requests: within 24 business hours.

5. Privacy Protection

• No Third-Party Sharing: We do not share your text message opt-in information with any third parties for marketing, promotional, or commercial purposes. Your phone number and opt-in data will not be sold, rented, or traded.
• Permitted Information Sharing: We may share information with partner organizations and service providers necessary to deliver services you request, subject to confidentiality agreements.
• Legal Compliance: We may disclose information when required by law or to protect the safety of our clients and staff.

6. Use of Website and Services

• To provide accurate and complete information
• Not to use our services for illegal or fraudulent purposes
• Not to harass, abuse, or threaten our staff or volunteers
• To comply with all applicable laws and regulations
• Not to attempt to gain unauthorized access to our systems

7. Intellectual Property

All content on our website, including text, graphics, logos, images, and software, is the property of Fort Bend Family Promise or our partners and is protected by copyright and trademark laws. You may not reproduce, distribute, or transmit any content without our written permission.

8. Limitation of Liability

Fort Bend Family Promise provides its services on an "as-is" basis without warranties of any kind. We are not liable for:

• Indirect, incidental, consequential, or punitive damages
• Loss of data, income, or business opportunity
• Errors or omissions in information provided
• Mobile carrier delays or failures in SMS message delivery

9. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Fort Bend Family Promise, its officers, employees, and volunteers from any claims, damages, or expenses arising from:

• Your violation of these terms
• Your misuse of our services
• Your violation of applicable laws
• Any disputes regarding your housing or family situation

10. Disclaimer of Professional Advice

Fort Bend Family Promise staff are trained housing navigators and case managers, not attorneys or accountants. Information provided is guidance only and does not constitute legal, financial, or professional advice. For matters requiring professional expertise, we recommend consulting appropriate professionals.

11. Third-Party Services and Links

Our website may include links to third-party websites and services. We are not responsible for:

• Content or practices of external websites
• Accuracy of third-party information
• Privacy policies of linked sites

Please review third-party terms and policies before using their services.

12. Termination of Services

Fort Bend Family Promise may terminate or suspend services if you:

• Violate these terms or applicable laws
• Engage in abusive or harassing behavior
• Provide false information
• No longer meet program eligibility criteria

Termination will include notice and opportunity to respond except in cases of immediate safety concerns.

13. Dispute Resolution

Informal Resolution: We encourage resolving disputes through direct communication with our office at 281-403-3923 or [email protected].

Governing Law: These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of Texas, without regard to conflict of law principles.

Venue: Any legal action or proceeding shall be brought exclusively in the state or federal courts located in Fort Bend County, Texas.

14. No Waiver

The failure of Fort Bend Family Promise to enforce any right or provision shall not constitute a waiver of that right or provision.

15. Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found to be invalid or unenforceable, that provision shall be severed, and the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

16. Entire Agreement

These Terms of Service, together with our Privacy Policy, constitute the entire agreement between you and Fort Bend Family Promise regarding your use of our website and services.

17. Policy Updates

We may update these Terms of Service periodically. Changes are effective immediately upon posting. Continued use of our services following notice of changes constitutes acceptance of modified terms.

18. Contact Information