Privacy Policy

Privacy Policy

Habitat for Humanity Greater Toronto Area (Habitat GTA) is dedicated to safeguarding the privacy of personal information provided by its employees, supporters, donors, volunteers, and other stakeholders. As an organization committed to transparency and accountability, Habitat for Humanity GTA aims to ensure that the personal information shared with us is treated with utmost confidentiality and security.

Our Mission: Our mission at Habitat GTA is to create a world where everyone has a safe and decent place to live. We achieve this by mobilizing volunteers and community partners to assist low-income families in breaking the cycle of poverty through affordable homeownership.

Information Collection:

Habitat GTA collects various types of personal information from individuals with whom it interacts. This information is collected only to the extent necessary for the purposes identified by Habitat GTA. The types of personal information we collect include:

  • Contact and identification information (e.g., name, birth date, address, phone numbers, email addresses)
  • Donation information (e.g., donation amount, campaign contributed to, joint gift details)
  • Financial information (e.g., payment methods, banking information, credit reports)
  • Legal information (e.g., consent signatures for formal agreements)
  • Product and service-related information
  • Safety-related information for volunteers
  • Relationship information
  • Information about other individuals provided by the individual providing the information

Additionally, when individuals visit the Habitat GTA website, we collect aggregate data to better understand site usage and improve performance.

Purpose of Information Collection:

The primary reasons for collecting personal information include:

  • Processing donations and providing customer service
  • Contacting volunteers
  • Human resources processes (e.g., hiring)
  • Determining eligibility for homeownership programs
  • Compiling statistical information for reporting purposes
  • Maintaining relationships with supporters and providing updates on our programs
  • Communicating with individuals who subscribe to receive electronic communications
  • Sending appeals and updates on fundraising campaigns

Use of Personal Information:

Habitat GTA does not use or disclose personal information for purposes other than those for which it was collected, unless consented to by the individual or as permitted or required by law. Personal information is used solely for the purposes identified in this policy, such as establishing identity, determining eligibility, processing donations, providing information, and keeping stakeholders informed.

Sharing of Personal Information:

Third-party service providers may be engaged by Habitat GTA to perform various functions, such as mailing communications, processing donations, and providing technical services. These providers may have access to personal information only as needed to perform their functions and are required to protect the information in accordance with our privacy practices.

Consent:

By voluntarily providing personal information to Habitat GTA, individuals are deemed to consent to its collection and use for the identified purposes. Consent is obtained during the collection process, whether through hard copy forms, electronic forms, or other methods.

Accuracy:

Habitat GTA makes reasonable efforts to keep personal information accurate, complete, and up to date. Individuals are encouraged to verify the accuracy of their information and request corrections as needed.

Privacy Practices:

Our staff and volunteers are trained to access personal information only as necessary for their roles, and safeguards are in place to prevent unauthorized disclosure. Individuals have the opportunity to choose their communication preferences and may opt out of receiving certain materials.

Website and Electronic Commerce:

Our website operates for the benefit of our supporters and stakeholders. Personal information collected through the website is securely processed, and encryption software is used to protect sensitive data. We do not retain credit card information after online transactions.

Cookies:

Like many websites, Habitat GTA uses cookies to improve site performance and understand user behavior. These cookies do not retain personal information, and aggregated usage data may be provided to sponsors and underwriters.

External Links:

Links to third-party websites provided on our site are for convenience only. Habitat GTA does not endorse or accept responsibility for the content or products/services offered on these sites. Users should review the privacy policies of third-party websites before providing personal information.

Updates to Privacy Policy:

Habitat GTA regularly reviews its privacy practices and updates its Privacy Policy as needed. The most up-to-date policy is available on our website.

Contact Information:

For more information about Habitat GTA’s Privacy Policy or privacy practices, to access personal information, or to register a complaint, please contact:

Email: privacy@habitatgta.ca Phone: (416) 755-7353, ext. 234

Authority:

This policy is under the jurisdiction of the CEO in consultation with the Vice President of Fund and Partnership Development and the Senior Director, Marketing and Communications.