1. Scope and context
This draft applies to Mack Community Housing Program’s public website and its online inquiries. Mack Community Housing Program is an Illinois 501(c)(3) nonprofit serving Chicago individuals and families experiencing homelessness or domestic violence. This website policy is separate from any participant or case-management confidentiality notices or consents that may apply after enrollment. It does not replace those documents. The organization operates in Illinois and the United States; applicable law may affect how information is handled.
2. Information we collect
At present, the Get Help, Contact, Partner, and Volunteer forms are not connected; they do not transmit or store what visitors type. When enabled, the Contact, Partner, and Volunteer forms are intended to deliver each submission as a basic email to terrence@mackcommunityhousing.org containing only the fields shown on that form; they are for general organizational communication, not participant intake. When secure inquiries become available, we intend to collect only information reasonably needed to respond and assess a request. The Get Help form is designed as an initial contact request only. When it is enabled, we intend for each submission to be delivered as a basic email to terrence@mackcommunityhousing.org containing only: full name, phone number and/or email, safest contact method, household size, general reason for contacting us, Chicago service-area confirmation, best time to contact, and consent to be contacted. It will not accept attachments and is not a case-management system. Email is not a fully confidential channel, which is another reason to share only the minimum requested. Depending on the form, that may include a name, safe contact preference and contact details, household size, broad housing situation, Chicago service-area confirmation, referral source, organization and role, partnership or volunteer interests, and a short message. Visitors choose what to provide in optional fields. Please do not include sensitive details beyond what a form specifically requests.
When you make a donation, the donation form collects the gift amount you choose. The selected payment processor handles payment details and receipt information under its own terms and privacy practices. We do not receive or store full payment-card numbers.
Standard website hosting may automatically receive limited technical data, such as IP address, browser/device information, pages requested, and access times, to deliver and secure the site. If analytics or optional cookies are introduced later, this policy should be updated to identify their purposes, categories, providers, and available choices before use. We do not represent that an analytics service is currently enabled.
3. Why we use information
Once secure forms are active, we may use information to respond to inquiries; consider potential program eligibility and referrals; coordinate requested volunteer or partnership conversations; process and acknowledge donations; operate and protect the website; keep necessary organizational records; and comply with applicable law. We aim to limit collection, access, and use to what is reasonably necessary for these purposes.
4. Sharing and service providers
We may use service providers for website hosting and, if connected later, secure forms, email delivery, analytics, and payment processing. These providers may process information to perform services for us, subject to their arrangements and applicable law. We do not sell personal information. We may also disclose limited information when required by law, legal process, or a valid governmental request, or when reasonably necessary to protect a person’s safety or the rights and security of the organization or others. We will assess such requests under applicable law; we cannot promise absolute confidentiality or that a disclosure will never be required.
5. Security and retention
We intend to use reasonable safeguards appropriate to the information involved and to review vendors before enabling submissions. No website, transmission, or storage method is absolutely secure. We intend to keep information only as long as reasonably necessary for the purpose collected and for applicable legal or operational obligations, then delete or de-identify it as appropriate. Specific retention schedules and vendor practices should be finalized before forms open.
6. Your choices and requests
When submissions are available, you may choose not to provide optional information or not to submit a form. You may request access to, correction of, or deletion of information you provided by contacting us using the official privacy contact once available. We will review requests consistent with applicable law and any necessary legal, safety, recordkeeping, or operational obligations; some information may need to be retained. Do not use an inactive form for a time-sensitive request.
7. Children’s privacy
This website is not directed to children under 13. We do not knowingly seek information directly from children under 13 through general website forms. An adult may share limited household information as requested for a program inquiry. If we learn that a child under 13 directly submitted personal information through a future form, we will review it and take appropriate steps under applicable law.
8. Third-party links
If this site links to other websites or services, their privacy practices are their own. Review their policies before sharing information with them.
9. Changes and contact
We may update this policy as services and practices change. When finalized, the effective date above will show when the policy takes effect; material changes may require additional notice under applicable law. This document remains a Draft for Legal Review until attorney-reviewed.
For privacy questions or future information requests: terrence@mackcommunityhousing.org
Mailing address: [Official mailing address pending]. These are placeholders, not active contact channels. See our Terms of Use for website-use conditions.