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Privacy Policy

Effective Date: 1/2/2026
 

The River of Life House is a faith-based nonprofit organization dedicated to providing transitional housing, spiritual guidance, mentoring, and support services to men seeking recovery, stability, and personal growth in a Christ-centered environment.

We are committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of all individuals who apply to, reside in, or receive services from our Home (referred to as "residents," "participants," or "you"). This Privacy and Confidentiality Policy outlines how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your personal information. Our practices are guided by Christian principles of integrity, compassion, and respect for human dignity, as well as applicable laws and ethical standards.

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1. Information We Collect

We collect personal information necessary to provide safe, effective, and supportive services. This may include:

  • Application and Intake Information: Name, contact details, date of birth, Social Security number (if required for background checks or benefits coordination), emergency contacts, and referral sources.

  • Background and History: Information about your criminal history, substance use history, employment, education, family situation, and reasons for seeking transitional housing.

  • Health and Recovery Information: Medical history, mental health details, substance abuse treatment records, medications, and progress notes (if you consent to sharing from prior providers).

  • Program Participation Data: Attendance at Bible studies, mentoring sessions, house meetings, chores, drug testing results, and spiritual or personal development notes.

  • Financial Information: Income, benefits, or payment arrangements for program fees (if applicable).

  • Other: Photographs (with consent), correspondence, and feedback.

We collect this information directly from you, from referral sources (with your consent), or as required for program operations.

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2. How We Use Your Information

Your information is used solely to:

  • Assess eligibility and suitability for our program.

  • Provide housing, mentoring, spiritual support, and recovery services.

  • Ensure the safety and well-being of all residents and staff (e.g., background checks, drug testing).

  • Coordinate with external support services (e.g., probation officers, counselors, or medical providers, with your consent).

  • Comply with legal requirements, such as reporting certain crimes or threats of harm.

  • Improve our programs and fulfill our mission.

We do not sell, rent, or share your information for marketing purposes.

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3. Confidentiality and Disclosure

We treat all personal information as confidential and disclose it only when:

  • You Provide Written Consent: We obtain your explicit permission (via release forms) to share information with family, employers, treatment providers, or others.

  • Required by Law: To comply with court orders, subpoenas, or mandatory reporting (e.g., imminent harm to self or others, child abuse if applicable, or certain communicable diseases).

  • For Safety: In emergencies, to prevent serious threats to health or safety.

  • Program Operations: Limited sharing with staff, volunteers, or house managers on a need-to-know basis to support your residency.

  • Anonymous Data: Aggregated, de-identified information for reporting, funding, or program evaluation (no individual identifiers).

Staff and volunteers are trained in confidentiality and sign agreements to uphold it. Breaches of confidentiality may result in disciplinary action.

Residents are also expected to respect the confidentiality of fellow residents. Discussing others' personal stories outside the Home without permission violates house rules and may lead to discharge.

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4. Your Rights

You have the right to:

  • Review your own records (with reasonable notice and possible redactions for safety).

  • Request corrections to inaccurate information.

  • Receive a copy of this policy upon admission.

  • Revoke consent for disclosures (in writing, though some prior disclosures cannot be undone).

  • File a complaint if you believe your privacy has been violated (contact the Director).
     

5. Data Security

We implement reasonable safeguards to protect your information, including:

  • Locked files for paper records.

  • Secure digital storage (if used).

  • Limited access to authorized personnel only.

  • Secure disposal of records when no longer needed.

Records are retained as required for program accountability and then securely destroyed.
 

6. Website and Online Privacy (If Applicable)

If we maintain a website or collect information online (e.g., donations or inquiries):

  • We collect standard data like IP addresses, browser information, and form submissions.

  • We do not share this data except as described above.

  • Third-party tools (e.g., Google Analytics) may collect anonymous data per their policies.
     

7. Changes to This Policy

We may update this policy to reflect changes in our practices or laws. Residents will be notified of material changes, and continued participation implies acceptance.
 

8. Contact Us

For questions, concerns, or to exercise your rights, contact:

River of Life House
PO Box 121
Dallas, OR 97338

(503) 831-3668
Email: info@riveroflifehouse.org

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