Privacy Policy

Published: April 5, 2026

Introduction

Welcome to Help Handed LLC (“Help Handed,” “we,” “us,” or “our”). We are a platform built to connect people seeking help with people willing to serve as volunteers. Whether you’re offering support or requesting it, your privacy is important to us. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, share, and protect your personal information when you interact with our website and related services (collectively, the “Platform”).

By using our Platform, you acknowledge and agree to the practices described in this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree with any part of this policy, you should not use the Platform.

We are committed to transparency and accountability in how we handle your personal data. This policy outlines what information we collect (such as your name, contact details, and service preferences), how and why we collect it, your rights over that information, and the steps we take to keep it secure.

This Privacy Policy may be updated from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, technology, or legal requirements. When we do, we will revise the “Last Updated” date at the top of this page. We encourage you to review this Privacy Policy periodically to stay informed of how we protect your information.

Thank you for being part of Help Handed. Your trust is essential to our mission of building a safe and supportive community. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us using the information provided in the “Contact Us” section below.

Types of Data We Collect

Help Handed collects a range of personal, sensitive, and technical information to facilitate the operation of our Platform, support user interactions, and ensure the integrity and safety of our services. The data we collect may be provided directly by users, captured through automated technologies, or obtained from authorized third-party service providers. The types of data we collect include, but are not limited to:

We do not collect or store private messages between users, as the Platform does not offer direct messaging functionality. Users may choose to voluntarily share personal or sensitive information—such as health conditions, caregiving responsibilities, or other personal hardships—either by selecting structured profile options (e.g., “Circumstances”) or by entering free-text in help requests (e.g., descriptions or reasons for requesting volunteer assistance). This information is entirely optional and is used solely to facilitate introductions and understanding between those offering and seeking help.

Some of the information users choose to submit—such as health-related descriptions in help requests or selected profile Circumstances (e.g., caregiver, veteran, or senior citizen)—may qualify as sensitive personal data under applicable laws. Submission of this information is entirely optional. Where applicable, we present users with a clear checkbox to obtain explicit consent before processing or displaying such information. By checking this box and submitting the relevant information, you consent to its use for the limited purpose of enhancing visibility, enabling filtering and introductions, and fostering community support within the Platform. You may update or remove this information at any time through your account settings.

You may remove this information at any time through your profile or by editing your help request. We encourage users to avoid including highly sensitive or confidential information unless they are comfortable with it being visible to others on the Platform.

How We Collect Data

We collect personal and technical information through a combination of user-submitted inputs, automated tracking technologies, and authorized third-party integrations, all of which are necessary for the proper functioning of the Platform. The majority of the data we collect is provided directly by you during the registration process, when completing or updating your user profile, and as you interact with the Platform—for example, when you offer or request help, submit background check authorizations, or engage in other user activities that require you to provide information. If you choose to contact us through the general inquiry form on our website, we will collect your name, email address, and any other information you include in your message. We use this information solely to respond to your inquiry and to maintain a record of our communications. These submissions are transmitted to our secure email inbox and may also be stored in our systems to ensure inquiries are not lost. We do not use this information for marketing purposes without your additional consent.

Additional data is collected automatically through cookies and analytics tools embedded within our Platform. These technologies capture behavioral and usage information such as pages visited, features accessed, session length, links clicked, and interactions with user interface elements. We also collect certain device-specific data, including browser type, operating system, IP address, and screen recordings, which are used to monitor Platform performance, improve user experience, and detect or prevent abuse or misuse of services. With your explicit consent, we may also collect geolocation data from your device. This information helps us identify nearby help requests or resources and tailor services based on your location. You will always be prompted to grant permission before any geolocation data is accessed or used.

We may also receive information about you from third-party providers when you authorize us to do so. For example, if you request a criminal background check through our Platform, the background screening process is conducted by our third-party service provider, Sterling Volunteers. Upon your consent, Sterling shares with us relevant background check results and confirmation of clearance. Similarly, when you submit a payment through the Platform, your credit card and financial information are collected and processed by Stripe, our third-party payment processor. While Help Handed does not store your full payment credentials, we may receive certain transaction metadata to confirm payment status and maintain account integrity.

All data collection is limited to the scope necessary for providing and improving our services, ensuring user safety and verification, and fulfilling contractual and legal obligations. We do not engage in passive surveillance or unauthorized data harvesting, and we do not purchase user data from brokers or external data aggregators. Every method of data collection is conducted transparently and in accordance with applicable data protection laws.

How We Use Data

We use the information we collect to operate, support, and enhance the core functionality of the Platform and to provide a secure and meaningful user experience for both individuals seeking help and those offering it. Your personal information is processed for a range of purposes that are essential to delivering our services, maintaining the safety and integrity of the Platform, and improving our overall performance.

We use your identifying information—such as your name, contact details, and home address—to create and maintain your user account, facilitate introductions between users, and enable off-platform communication as part of the help-giving process. This data allows us to tailor services to your needs and ensure that users interacting with each other have access to accurate and up-to-date information. Where applicable, we also use your help preferences, organizational affiliations, and submitted recommendations to optimize introduction opportunities and enhance platform participation.

We may use background check information, including confirmation of criminal history status, to verify users and promote trust across the Platform. This data is shared with us by our third-party provider, Sterling Volunteers, only upon your authorization and is used solely to determine whether your background check meets our internal eligibility criteria for participating in certain Platform activities. Completion of a background check is not required to use the Platform, and users who do not complete one will still be able to participate, although their profiles will not include a background check clearance badge.

We use payment-related information, processed via Stripe, to facilitate secure transactions where applicable. While Help Handed does not directly store full payment credentials, we may use related metadata to confirm successful transactions and administer account-level functions.

We use information voluntarily provided on profiles, including optional circumstances impacting your need for volunteer help (e.g., senior citizen, caregiver, homeless), and in help requests, including descriptions surrounding your need, to support a compassionate and relevant user experience. This information is entirely optional and is intended to give potential volunteers additional context for support requests and enable more meaningful filtering of available opportunities. Additionally, users may choose to undergo a criminal background check through an authorized third-party provider. While background checks are not required for platform participation, users who complete a check and receive a clear result may have their profiles designated accordingly for the purpose of enhancing trust and transparency. Users are not required to undergo a background check to participate on the Platform. However, users who voluntarily opt in and receive a background check result that does not meet our eligibility criteria will be restricted from participating on the Platform. In such cases, the Platform does not represent that a user has been vetted or certified in any official capacity.

We use website usage data collected through cookies and analytics tools, including page views, link clicks, and session recordings, to evaluate how users engage with the Platform, identify areas for improvement, and enhance functionality and accessibility. This includes anonymized data shared with third-party analytics providers such as Google. No identifiable personal information is shared for these purposes, and we do not engage in behavioral advertising.

We may use your email address and other contact information to send you promotional communications about our services. In addition, we may use your email address to create “custom audiences” or “customer match” lists on advertising platforms such as Google Ads. This allows us to display targeted advertisements to you and others who may share similar interests. Where required by law, we will obtain your consent before using your information in this manner, and you may opt-out at any time.

We do not sell your personal information to data brokers or advertisers under any circumstances. All uses of data are confined to service provision, security, platform improvement, and permitted administrative communications. By providing your information and using the Platform, you consent to these uses in accordance with this Privacy Policy and applicable legal standards.

Lawful Basis for Collection

At Help Handed, we collect and process your personal data in accordance with applicable privacy laws and regulations. The lawful basis for our data collection and processing activities depends on the nature of the information and the specific context in which it is collected. We rely on the following lawful bases:

By relying on these lawful bases, we ensure that our data collection and processing activities are conducted responsibly, transparently, and in compliance with all applicable legal requirements. If you have questions about the lawful basis for a specific data processing activity, please contact us using the details provided in the Contact Us section of this Privacy Policy.

How We Share Data

We do not sell or license your personal information to third parties for their own independent marketing or commercial purposes. However, in the course of operating the Platform, we do facilitate and monetize the exchange of certain user contact information—such as names, phone numbers, and email addresses—between users who have voluntarily connected through a help request or offer. Specifically, when a user offers help that is later accepted or accepts an offer of help, they authorize the Platform to share their contact information with the corresponding user. Access to this contact information may be subject to a fee, which supports the operation and continued development of the Platform. This exchange is user-driven and occurs only after an affirmative action by the involved parties.

We otherwise share user data only as necessary to fulfill our contractual and legal obligations, deliver Platform functionality, and protect the integrity and safety of our services. All disclosures are limited to the minimum required for these purposes and are conducted with appropriate safeguards, including confidentiality and security agreements where applicable.

We use the services of Sterling Volunteers to conduct optional criminal background checks for users who wish to verify their identity and eligibility to participate on the Platform. If you choose to complete a background check, you will be directed to Sterling Volunteers’ secure website, where you will provide the necessary personal information directly to them—such as your full legal name, Social Security Number, and past addresses. Help Handed does not collect or store this information.

Upon your authorization, Sterling Volunteers shares the full result of your background check with us via their secure portal, which we may review as part of our internal trust and safety procedures. If you successfully pass the background check, your profile will display that you have been cleared, along with the date of your most recent clearance, so that other users may view and consider this information when interacting with you.

Because we may use the contents of your background check report to determine eligibility for participation on the Platform, we comply with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). Where adverse action may result, we, or Sterling Volunteers acting as our authorized agent, will provide you with a pre-adverse action notice, a copy of your report, and a summary of your rights under the FCRA, which includes notice of your right to dispute the accuracy or completeness of the report. You will have an opportunity to review and dispute the information before a final decision is made. If a final decision is made to take adverse action, you will receive a final adverse action notice, including the name and contact information of the reporting agency and a statement that the agency did not make the decision.

Sterling Volunteers acts as a consumer reporting agency and provides background check services under its own terms. For more information about their privacy and compliance practices, please refer to Sterling’s website and disclosures.

Our web infrastructure is hosted by a third-party cloud provider—currently DigitalOcean—which stores and protects user data on secure servers located within the United States. We also use analytics services such as Google Analytics to monitor Platform performance and understand user behavior. While these analytics providers may collect anonymized usage data through cookies or tracking tools, we do not permit them to access or retain identifiable personal information.

We may also share data as required by law, including in response to lawful requests by public authorities, such as court orders, subpoenas, or regulatory inquiries. In such cases, we will disclose only the minimum amount of data necessary to comply with our legal obligations and, where permissible, will notify affected users of such disclosures.

In the event of a business restructuring, merger, acquisition, or asset sale, user data may be transferred as part of the transaction, provided that the recipient agrees to uphold privacy obligations that are materially consistent with this Privacy Policy.

We may share your email address or other identifiers with advertising platforms, including Google or Meta, for the purpose of delivering targeted advertisements and measuring their effectiveness. These platforms are contractually prohibited from using your data for any purpose other than to provide services to us. You may opt out of this type of sharing directly from marketing emails received or banner ads displayed in your browser, or as described in the “User Rights” section of this Privacy Policy.

We do not enable or authorize third parties to use your data for their own independent commercial purposes, including behavioral advertising or profiling. All sharing of information is limited to service provision, operational support, legal compliance, user-requested transactions, and where permitted by law, email marketing activities. Where applicable, we ensure that all third-party service providers are bound by data protection agreements that include confidentiality, data security, and use limitations.

Data Security

We take the protection of your personal information seriously and are committed to maintaining the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the data you entrust to us. Help Handed has implemented a comprehensive set of administrative, technical, and physical safeguards designed to prevent unauthorized access, misuse, disclosure, alteration, or destruction of your personal data.

All data is stored on secure servers maintained by a leading third-party cloud hosting provider, currently DigitalOcean, which employs advanced encryption protocols, firewalls, and intrusion detection systems. Data transmitted between your device and our servers is encrypted in transit using Transport Layer Security (TLS) protocols, and sensitive data processed by third parties (such as payment and background check information) is protected by their respective secure infrastructure and compliance programs.

Access to user data is strictly limited to authorized personnel who require such access to perform their duties. All internal access is subject to role-based permissions, authentication controls, and audit logging. Employees, contractors, and third-party service providers with access to personal data are bound by strict confidentiality obligations and are trained in data protection best practices.

We conduct regular reviews of our security practices and engage in periodic risk assessments to identify vulnerabilities and enhance our infrastructure. Although no system can guarantee absolute security, we are committed to continually improving our defenses in accordance with evolving industry standards and emerging threats.

In the event of a suspected or actual data breach, we will act swiftly to contain the incident, investigate its scope and impact, and notify affected users and relevant authorities as required by applicable law. Our breach response plan includes measures for forensic analysis, remediation, regulatory compliance, and user support, and is reviewed regularly to ensure continued effectiveness.

While we take significant precautions to secure your information, it is important to note that no method of transmission over the internet or method of electronic storage is completely secure. You are encouraged to take reasonable steps to protect your own data, including using strong passwords, securing your devices, and logging out of your account when accessing the Platform from shared or public devices.

Data Retention

We retain personal information for only as long as it is reasonably necessary to fulfill the purposes for which it was collected, to comply with our legal and regulatory obligations, to enforce our rights, and to maintain the integrity and functionality of the Platform. The duration for which we retain specific categories of data may vary depending on the nature of the information, the purpose for which it was collected, and applicable retention requirements under law.

User account information, including profile details, help history, and activity logs, is retained for as long as your account remains active. If you choose to delete your account, we will take steps to deactivate your account and securely delete or anonymize personal data associated with it within a reasonable timeframe, subject to any retention obligations described below. Please note that certain residual information may persist in backup or archival systems for a limited period, but will not be used for any active processing purposes during that time.

We may retain limited information after account closure to comply with applicable legal obligations, such as tax reporting, audit requirements, fraud prevention, dispute resolution, or law enforcement investigations. For example, we may be required to retain certain transaction records, background check confirmations, or administrative logs for a fixed statutory period even after a user has requested deletion. In limited cases, we may also retain certain personal identifiers from closed or suspended accounts in a secure, access-restricted system solely for the purpose of preventing unauthorized re-registration or misuse of the Platform. Additionally, we may retain internal records of complaints or reports related to user conduct, even if such reports did not result in suspension, for the limited purpose of evaluating future complaints and enforcing our community standards. Any such retained information will be stored separately from active user records and subject to strict access controls.

Information collected through cookies and analytics tools is retained in accordance with our cookie policy and the applicable retention practices of our third-party analytics providers. Such data is generally aggregated or anonymized for statistical purposes and does not identify individual users.

In all cases, Help Handed applies reasonable data minimization principles to ensure that we do not retain personal information longer than necessary. When we delete your personal information, we remove it from active systems, not merely mask it from display, except where retention is necessary for legal, security, or operational purposes as described in this Privacy Policy. When information is no longer needed for the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy, we will either delete it securely, anonymize it, or isolate it from further processing in accordance with our internal data lifecycle protocols.

If you have specific questions about our data retention practices or would like to request deletion of your information, please contact us using the details provided in the “Contact Us” section of this Privacy Policy. We will evaluate all requests in accordance with applicable legal obligations and respond within a reasonable timeframe.

Help Handed uses cookies and similar tracking technologies to improve the functionality, performance, and user experience of our Platform. Cookies are small text files placed on your device that help us recognize your browser, remember your preferences, analyze traffic patterns, and deliver core features of the Platform. By using our Platform, you consent to our use of cookies as described in this section, subject to your ability to manage or withdraw that consent where legally required. We currently use the following categories of cookies:

We do not use interest-based advertising cookies or technologies that track your behavior across other websites for marketing purposes. 

Our cookie consent management tool allows users to provide granular control over which categories of cookies are enabled. Users may also manage cookie preferences through their browser settings. Most modern browsers allow you to refuse or delete cookies, alert you when a cookie is being placed, or block cookies entirely. However, disabling certain types of cookies may impair your ability to access or use key features of the Platform.

Because some tracking technologies are essential for the operation of the Platform or tied to specific security functions, certain cookies cannot be disabled without compromising system performance or service delivery. We encourage users to review their browser’s documentation for more information on how to manage cookies effectively.

If you have questions about our use of cookies or wish to receive a list of third-party cookies deployed through our Platform, you may contact us using the information in the “Contact Us” section of this Privacy Policy. We are happy to provide transparency and additional details regarding cookie usage upon request.

Children’s Privacy

Our Platform is committed to protecting the privacy of children. Consistent with the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) and other applicable laws and regulations, we do not knowingly collect, use, or disclose personal information from children under the age of 18.

User Rights

Help Handed is committed to honoring the privacy rights of all users. Depending on your jurisdiction, you may have certain rights with respect to your personal information under applicable data protection laws. We aim to provide all users with meaningful access to and control over their data, regardless of where they reside. The rights described below may vary depending on your residency and applicable legal requirements, but we will make reasonable efforts to fulfill valid requests in accordance with this Privacy Policy and the law. You may have the right to:

You may exercise any of these rights by contacting us using the information provided in the “Contact Us” section of this Privacy Policy. We may ask you to verify your identity before fulfilling your request and may deny requests where we are unable to authenticate the requestor, where legal obligations prevent us from fulfilling the request, or where the request is manifestly unfounded or excessive.

If you are a resident of California, Virginia, Colorado, Connecticut, or Utah, or of any other jurisdiction with specific privacy rights, please refer to the applicable addenda or disclosures within this Privacy Policy that supplement these general rights. If you reside outside of the United States, your rights may vary based on your location, and we encourage you to contact us with any specific concerns.

We will respond to verified requests in a timely manner consistent with applicable laws and will inform you of the outcome of your request, including any reasons for denial if applicable. If you are unsatisfied with our response, you may have the right to appeal our decision or lodge a complaint with a relevant supervisory authority, depending on your jurisdiction.

Our Platform may contain links to third-party websites or services that are not operated or controlled by us. These third-party links are provided for your convenience and reference only. Please note that we have no control over the content, policies, or practices of these third-party websites or services.

By clicking on these third-party links, you acknowledge and agree that we are not responsible for the privacy practices or the content of such websites or services. This Privacy Policy applies solely to the information collected by our Platform. We encourage you to read the privacy policies of any third-party websites you visit to understand their data collection, use, and disclosure practices.

While we strive to include only reputable and trusted third-party links on our Platform, we cannot guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or quality of the information, products, or services provided on these external sites. The inclusion of any third-party link on our Platform does not imply our endorsement, sponsorship, or recommendation of the linked website or its content.

Please be aware that when you leave our Platform and access a third-party website, your interactions and any information you provide are subject to the terms and policies of that website. We encourage you to exercise caution and review the privacy policies of any website you visit.

Data Breach Response

At Help Handed, we are committed to protecting your personal data and have implemented robust measures to ensure its security. In the unlikely event of a data breach, we have a structured response plan in place to manage the situation promptly and effectively while complying with all legal obligations.

If a breach occurs, we will act immediately to identify and contain the issue. This includes isolating affected systems to prevent further unauthorized access or data loss. Once contained, we will conduct a thorough investigation to determine the cause, scope, and impact of the breach. Our goal is to assess the risks posed to affected individuals and ensure appropriate remediation measures are implemented.

We will notify affected users as required by applicable laws. Notifications will include relevant details about the breach, such as the nature of the incident, the type of data affected, potential risks, and steps users can take to protect themselves. Regulatory authorities will also be informed when necessary, following prescribed timelines and reporting requirements.

Following a breach, we will enhance our security measures to address any identified vulnerabilities and prevent similar incidents in the future. Our response plan undergoes regular reviews and updates to align with evolving industry standards and best practices.

If you suspect a security incident involving your personal data or need additional information about our response procedures, please contact us through the details provided in the Contact Us section of this Privacy Policy.

How to Exercise Your Rights

If you wish to exercise any of the rights described in this Privacy Policy—including the right to access, correct, delete, or restrict the processing of your personal information—you may submit a request using the contact information provided in the “Contact Us” section below. We take all privacy-related requests seriously and are committed to responding in a timely, lawful, and transparent manner.

When submitting a request, please include your full name, the email address associated with your account (if applicable), the specific right you are seeking to exercise, and any other information necessary for us to identify your record and fulfill the request. For your protection, we may take reasonable steps to verify your identity before acting on your request. This may include confirming account credentials, asking follow-up questions, or requesting government-issued identification in limited cases.

Authorized agents may submit requests on behalf of a consumer, provided that the agent presents sufficient documentation demonstrating their legal authority to act for the individual. We reserve the right to deny requests from agents who fail to provide adequate proof of authorization.

We will acknowledge receipt of your request within the timeframe required by applicable law (typically within 10 business days) and aim to respond fully within 30 to 45 days, depending on the nature and complexity of the request. If we require additional time, we will inform you of the reason for the delay and provide an updated timeframe for response. In some cases, we may decline a request where we are unable to verify your identity, where a legal exception applies, or where compliance would be unduly burdensome or inconsistent with our legal obligations.

If we deny your request, either in whole or in part, you will receive an explanation of the decision, and if applicable, instructions on how to appeal or escalate your concern. Certain jurisdictions also permit you to file a complaint with a data protection authority or other supervisory body if you believe your rights have not been properly respected.

We do not charge a fee for processing valid rights requests. However, we may impose a reasonable administrative fee where permitted by law if a request is manifestly unfounded, repetitive, or excessive.

If you have any questions about your privacy rights or how to submit a request, please contact us directly. We are committed to protecting your data and supporting your ability to make informed choices about how your information is handled.

Do Not Track Signals

Our Platform currently does not respond to “Do Not Track” (DNT) signals from web browsers. DNT is a privacy preference that you can set in your web browser to indicate your preference regarding the tracking of your online activities.

While many web browsers support the DNT feature, there is no standard interpretation or industry consensus regarding the meaning of DNT signals. As a result, our Platform does not currently recognize or respond to DNT signals.

Please note that even if you have enabled the DNT feature in your web browser, certain third-party services integrated into our Platform may still collect and track your online activities in accordance with their own privacy policies. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of these third-party services for more information on their tracking practices.

Modification

We reserve the right to modify or update this Privacy Policy at any time. Any changes we make will be effective immediately upon posting the revised Privacy Policy on our Platform. We encourage you to review this Privacy Policy periodically to stay informed about how we collect, use, and protect your information.

By continuing to use our Platform after any changes to this Privacy Policy, you acknowledge and agree to the updated terms. It is your responsibility to review this Privacy Policy periodically and ensure that you are aware of any modifications. If you disagree with any changes, you should discontinue your use of our Platform and contact us if you would like to request the deletion of your personal information.

Please note that any provision of this Privacy Policy that imposes an obligation on you or grants us a right will survive the termination or expiration of this Privacy Policy or your use of our Platform.

Web Beacons

Web beacons are small graphic images or other web programming code that can be included in our web pages and e-mail messages. Invisible to the user, these beacons are typically as small as a single pixel and function in a similar manner to cookies. Web beacons are used to anonymously track online movements of web users or to access cookies. They help us understand how users interact with our Platform by transmitting information back to us or our service providers. Web beacons track user behavior on our Platform, such as page views and email interaction. This information helps us understand user preferences and improve the content and functionality of our Platform.

In our email communications, web beacons allow us to determine whether our emails are opened and if the links within them are clicked. This data assists us in making our communications more relevant and informative for our users.

We use web beacons to gauge the effectiveness of our advertising campaigns. By understanding user interactions and responses to our marketing efforts, we can tailor our strategies to better meet user interests and needs.

While web beacons are inherently anonymous, you have the option to control their use through various browser settings and third-party tools. Disabling cookies in your browser will also limit the functionality of web beacons associated with those cookies.

Contact Us

We value open communication with our users and welcome any questions, concerns, or feedback regarding this Privacy Policy or our data handling practices. Our dedicated team is committed to addressing your inquiries and providing timely and clear responses. For your convenience, please use our online contact form located at https://helphanded.com/support-center/contact/ to submit your inquiries. This ensures your message is routed to the appropriate team member for prompt attention. We aim to respond to all submissions within 24–48 hours during regular business days.

We are committed to ensuring that our communication channels are accessible to all our users, including those with disabilities. If you require any special accommodations, please let us know, and we will do our best to assist you.

We are dedicated to providing a prompt response to all inquiries. If your issue requires more in-depth investigation, we will keep you informed about the status of your query and provide a timeframe for resolution.