Privacy Policy

Home Ownership Made Easy (HOME)
Effective Date: 7/1/2025

Home Ownership Made Easy ("HOME", “we”, “our”, or “us”) is committed to protecting the privacy of individuals who visit our website, use our services, or communicate with us through any platform, including SMS. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect your personal information. It also outlines your rights and choices, in accordance with federal and state laws, including guidelines from HUD, the California Department of Developmental Services (DDS), and Regional Centers.

1. Information We Collect

We may collect the following types of information:

A. Information You Provide:

  • Contact information (name, address, email, phone number)

  • Application details (such as disability status, household income, housing needs)

  • Communications, including email, SMS, or web form submissions

  • Feedback or survey responses

B. Automatically Collected Information:

  • IP address

  • Browser type

  • Device information

  • Pages visited and time spent on the site (via analytics tools)

2. SMS Privacy

By subscribing to our SMS messaging service, you agree to the following:

  • Data Collected: We collect your mobile number, message content, and any personal details you choose to share.

  • How We Use It:

    • Respond to questions

    • Send appointment or application reminders

    • Share program updates or resources

    • Improve communication and service delivery

  • Data Storage: SMS messages are stored on secure third-party servers and retained only as long as needed to provide services or comply with applicable law.

  • Disclosure: We do not rent or sell your data. Information may be shared with trusted service providers only when necessary for program operations or required by law.

  • Security: While we use reasonable safeguards, please note that text messaging platforms are not fully secure.

  • Opt-Out: You may reply STOP at any time to end SMS communication. Reply HELP for assistance.

  • Children: Our SMS service is not intended for children under 13. Youth aged 13–17 must have parental consent.

3. How We Use Website and Contact Information

Your information may be used to:

  • Process applications for housing or services

  • Determine eligibility for programs aligned with HUD, DDS, or Regional Center criteria

  • Respond to inquiries or requests

  • Improve program delivery and communication

  • Comply with reporting requirements and audits

  • Conduct outreach and engagement in line with federal fair housing laws

4. Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

HOME may use generative AI tools (such as OpenAI’s ChatGPT or similar platforms) to assist with internal tasks including:

  • Drafting generic communications or summaries

  • Organizing or reviewing non-identifiable case information

  • Supporting staff in planning or administrative work

Our Commitments:

  • We do not input full personal identifiers into AI tools.

  • We do not use AI to make eligibility decisions or replace staff judgment.

  • We do not share protected health information (PHI) or confidential data in ways that would violate HUD, DDS, or Regional Center guidelines.

  • AI use is governed by internal procedures that emphasize confidentiality, accuracy, and compliance.

All AI-assisted work remains subject to human review and oversight. Your privacy remains a top priority in every step.

5. How We Share Information

We do not sell your personal information.

We may share your information:

  • With government agencies (e.g., HUD, DDS, Regional Centers) for program compliance or funding purposes

  • With service providers or partners helping us administer services, subject to confidentiality agreements

  • When required by law, subpoena, or court order

  • To prevent fraud, abuse, or harm to others

6. Data Retention

We retain personal data only as long as necessary to:

  • Provide services

  • Meet regulatory and contractual obligations

  • Comply with funding or audit requirements

When no longer needed, we securely delete or anonymize information.

7. Security

We use administrative, physical, and technical safeguards to protect your data. However, no method of transmission over the Internet or electronic storage is completely secure. We encourage users to avoid sending sensitive information through unsecured platforms.

8. Your Rights

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

  • Access your personal information

  • Correct or update your data

  • Request deletion (subject to retention requirements)

  • Withdraw consent (such as opting out of SMS or email communications)

To exercise any of these rights, contact us at:
(310) 988 -4000
info@homeopeningdoors.org

9. Non-Discrimination

HOME will not deny services, charge different prices, or provide different quality based on your privacy preferences or the exercise of your rights. We are committed to providing equal housing opportunity to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, disability, familial status, national origin, age, gender identity, or sexual orientation.

10. Children's Privacy

Our services are designed for adults. If you are under 18, please obtain permission from a parent or guardian. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13 without verifiable parental consent.

11. Updates to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy as needed to reflect changes in our operations, services, or applicable laws. Updates will be posted on this page with the “Effective Date” at the top. Continued use of our services means you accept any changes.

Contact Us
If you have questions about this policy or your information, contact us at:
Home Ownership Made Easy (HOME)
(310) 988 -4000
info@homeopeningdoors.org

www.homeopeningdoors.org

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