Heartland Connect iOS App Privacy Policy
Heartland Connect is a tool developed to support efforts to effectively address homelessness and housing insecurity in Springfield and Sangamon County. Whether you're a street outreach worker or a concerned community member, Heartland Connect simplifies the process of connecting people to services and resources.
With real-time tools and a centralized platform, Heartland Connect empowers users to make a tangible difference in the lives of those experiencing homelessness. Outreach workers can document engagements, report encampments, and locate critical services, while community members can easily report concern and areas of need.
Why Heartland Connect?
- Real-Time Resource Directory: Access an up-to-date list of shelters, food pantries, community services, and more.
- Communication Tools: Seamlessly coordinate with the Heartland Continuum of Care by sharing updates and reports directly from the field.
- Encampment Reporting: Mark and share locations of encampments to improve outreach coordination and response efforts.
- Community Engagement: Enable residents to alert the Street Outreach team about individuals or areas in need of assistance.
Heartland Connect streamlines collaboration between community members, outreach workers, and service providers, helping to address homelessness more effectively and compassionately.
Heartland Connect Privacy Policy
Effective Date: 2/13/25
1. Introduction
Heartland Connect ("the App") is a community-driven tool developed in collaboration with Heartland Continuum of Care to improve street outreach efforts and connect individuals experiencing homelessness with critical services. This Privacy Policy explains what data we collect, how we use it, and how we protect user privacy.
By using Heartland Connect, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy.
2. Who Uses Heartland Connect?
Heartland Connect is used by:
Community Members: To report encampments or request services for individuals in need.
Street Outreach Caseworkers: To respond to reports, track engagement, and provide assistance.
3. What Data We Collect
We collect only the information necessary to facilitate street outreach and service coordination and communication that the user contributes willingly. The types of data we collect include:
a. Reports from Community Members
- Location details (if provided)
- Descriptions of individuals or situations (as much or as little as the reporter chooses to share)
- Optional contact information (if the reporter wishes to be contacted)
- Reports may be submitted anonymously
b. Data Collected by Outreach Workers
- Information shared voluntarily by individuals experiencing homelessness
- Notes on outreach engagement and services provided
- Location-based data related to outreach activities
c. Automatically Collected Information
- Device and usage information to improve functionality and security
- Location data (only if a user grants permission)
4. How We Use the Data
The collected data is used solely for:
- Directing outreach workers to areas where services are needed
- Improving coordination of services for individuals experiencing homelessness
- Identifying trends to enhance outreach efforts and resource allocation
5. How We Protect Your Data
We take privacy and security seriously and implement the following safeguards:
- Limited Access: Only authorized outreach workers have access to submitted reports.
- Encryption: Data is encrypted both in transit and at rest.
- Data Retention: Reports and outreach data are retained for 36 months maximum and then securely deleted.
6. How We Share Data
We do not sell, rent, or publicly disclose any data. Information is shared only as follows:
- With authorized outreach workers to coordinate services.
- Aggregated and anonymized for research or policy improvement.
7. User Rights & Control
- Community members can choose to submit reports anonymously.
- Individuals engaged by outreach workers will be notified of data collection.
- Users may request access to, correction of, or deletion of their personal data.
- Location tracking is optional and can be disabled in device settings.
8. Policy Updates
We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. Any significant changes will be communicated within the App.
9. Contact Information
For privacy-related questions, please contact: staff@heartlandhoused.org