Privacy Policy

Last Updated: 01 October 2025

1. Introduction

Mile High Ministries is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (Tax ID 84-0782214) that seeks God’s peace for our city through the creative, compassionate, and prayerful development of people and communities. Since 1988, we have put our mission into action through supportive housing and local initiatives that strengthen our neighbors’ capacity to thrive.

 

Our Commitment to Privacy

We are deeply committed to protecting the privacy and personal information of the families, individuals, donors, volunteers, and community members we serve. We recognize that many people we work with—including families experiencing homelessness through our Joshua Station program and residents of Clara Brown Commons—entrust us with sensitive personal information during vulnerable times in their lives. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, protect, and share your personal information.

 

This policy applies to:

  • Program participants and residents
  • Donors and supporters
  • Volunteers and community partners
  • Website visitors
  • Newsletter and text message subscribers
  • Anyone who interacts with Mile High Ministries

 

2. Information We Collect

We collect different types of information depending on your relationship with Mile High Ministries.

Personal Information You Provide to Us

 

For Program Participants and Service Recipients:

When you apply for or participate in our programs (Joshua Station, Clara Brown Commons, or other services), we may collect:

  • Contact Information: Name, current and previous addresses, phone number, email address
  • Family Information: Household composition, number and ages of children, relationships
  • Identification: Date of birth, Social Security number (when required for program eligibility), government-issued ID
  • Housing History: Previous housing situations, eviction history, landlord references
  • Financial Information: Income, employment status, assets, government benefits, credit history
  • Employment and Education: Work history, job skills, educational background and goals
  • Health Information: Mental health needs, substance use history, medical conditions affecting housing needs, referrals to healthcare services
  • Legal Information: Criminal background (when required), court involvement, child custody information
  • Service Records: Case notes, progress reports, program participation, appointments attended

 

For Donors and Supporters:

  • Contact Information: Name, mailing address, email address, phone number
  • Financial Information: Payment information for donations (processed securely through third-party payment processors)
  • Donation History: Amount, frequency, and designation of gifts
  • Communication Preferences: How you prefer to hear from us

 

For Volunteers:

  • Contact Information: Name, address, phone number, email
  • Background Information: Skills, availability, interests, emergency contact
  • Background Check Information: Criminal history (when required for certain volunteer roles)

 

For Website Visitors and Email/Text Subscribers:

  • Contact Information: Name, email address, phone number (if you subscribe to communications)
  • Communication Preferences: Topics of interest, preferred communication methods

 

Information We Collect Automatically

 

When you visit our website at milehighmin.org, we may automatically collect:

  • Device Information: IP address, browser type, operating system
  • Usage Information: Pages visited, time spent on pages, links clicked
  • Cookies and Similar Technologies: We use cookies to improve website functionality and understand how visitors use our site

 

Information from Third Parties

 

We may receive information from:

 

  • Service Partners: Schools, healthcare providers, employment programs, housing authorities, and other organizations coordinating services with your consent
  • Public Records: Housing court records, criminal background checks (when legally permitted and necessary)
  • References: Landlord references, employment verification, personal references you provide

 

3. How We Use Your Information

 

We use your personal information only for legitimate purposes related to our mission and your relationship with us.

 

For Program Participants and Service Recipients

  • Program Administration: Process applications, determine eligibility, coordinate housing and services
  • Case Management: Develop service plans, track progress, coordinate with service partners
  • Support Services: Connect you with mental health counseling, education support, employment assistance, youth programs, and other services
  • Health and Safety: Respond to emergencies, ensure safe housing environments, comply with legal obligations
  • Program Improvement: Evaluate program effectiveness, identify areas for improvement (using de-identified data when possible)
  • Funding Requirements: Report program outcomes to funders (using aggregated or de-identified data)

 

For Donors and Supporters

  • Process Donations: Accept and acknowledge gifts, provide tax receipts
  • Relationship Management: Thank donors, provide updates on organizational impact
  • Communications: Send newsletters, event invitations, fundraising appeals (only with your consent)
  • Legal Compliance: Maintain donation records as required by IRS regulations

 

For Volunteers

  • Volunteer Coordination: Match volunteers with opportunities, schedule activities, provide training
  • Safety and Compliance: Conduct required background checks, maintain emergency contact information
  • Recognition: Thank volunteers and celebrate their contributions

 

For All Users

  • Communications: Send requested information, respond to inquiries, provide program updates
  • Website Functionality: Improve website performance, troubleshoot technical issues
  • Legal Compliance: Meet regulatory requirements, respond to legal requests

 

4. Text Message Communications and A2P Compliance

 

Our Commitment Regarding Mobile Information

 

Mile High Ministries will not share mobile contact information with third parties or affiliates for marketing/promotional purposes. All other categories exclude text messaging originator opt-in data and consent; this information will not be shared with any third parties.

 

Information We Collect for Text Messaging

 

When you opt-in to receive text messages from Mile High Ministries, we collect and store:

  • Your mobile phone number
  • The date and time you provided consent
  • The specific programs or services you requested to receive messages about
  • Your consent preferences and any changes you make to them
  • Records of messages sent to and received from your number

 

How We Use Your Mobile Information

 

We use your mobile phone number and messaging consent only to:

  • Send you program updates and service information you’ve requested
  • Provide appointment reminders and important program notifications
  • Share community event information (if you’ve opted in)
  • Send emergency or safety communications to current program participants
  • Process your opt-out requests

 

Types of Text Messages

 

Program Participants: Service reminders, appointment notifications, community updates. Frequency varies based on your program participation and current service needs.

 

Supporters and Volunteers: Event announcements and impact updates, typically 2-4 messages per month.

 

Emergency Communications: Critical safety or program information sent only when necessary for current program participants.

 

Message and Data Rates

 

Message and data rates may apply based on your mobile carrier plan. Mile High Ministries is not responsible for any charges you may incur from your mobile carrier.

 

How to Stop Receiving Text Messages

 

You can opt out of text messages from Mile High Ministries at any time through any of these methods:

 

Text Reply: Send any of these words in reply to any message from us:

  • STOP
  • QUIT
  • CANCEL
  • UNSUBSCRIBE
  • END
  • OPT-OUT

 

Other Methods:

  • Phone: Call us at (303) 839-5198
  • Email: Send a request to info@milehighmin.org
  • In Person: Speak with your Family Advocate, case manager, or any Mile High Ministries staff member

 

Natural Language: We also honor opt-out requests written in normal language, such as “please remove me from your list” or “I don’t want these texts anymore.”

 

Opt-Out Processing

  • We will process your opt-out request within 10 business days
  • You will receive one final confirmation message acknowledging your request
  • After confirmation, you will not receive any additional promotional or general messages
  • Current program participants may still receive critical safety or emergency notifications

 

Important: Opting out of text messages will not affect your ability to participate in Mile High Ministries programs or receive housing, case management, or other support services.

 

Data Security for Text Messaging

 

We take special care to protect your mobile phone number and messaging preferences because we recognize the sensitive nature of communications with families experiencing housing challenges.

 

Security Measures Include:

  • Encrypted storage of all mobile contact information
  • Restricted access—only authorized staff can view messaging data
  • Secure transmission of all text messages
  • Regular security assessments of our messaging systems
  • Staff training on privacy protection and confidentiality

 

Text Message Data Retention

  • Consent Records: We keep records of your messaging consent for 7 years to comply with regulations
  • Opt-Out Records: We maintain opt-out requests indefinitely to ensure we never re-contact you
  • Message Logs: We retain message delivery records as required by law and for quality assurance

 

Regulatory Compliance for Messaging

 

Mile High Ministries complies with all applicable regulations governing text messaging, including:

  • Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA)
  • A2P 10DLC registration requirements
  • The Campaign Registry guidelines
  • CTIA Messaging Principles and Best Practices
  • FCC rules on consumer communications

 

 

5. How We Share Your Information

We share your personal information only when necessary to provide services, comply with legal obligations, or with your explicit consent.

 

What We NEVER Share

We will NEVER share your mobile phone number or text messaging consent information with:

  • Other organizations for their marketing purposes
  • Third-party advertising companies
  • Data brokers or list companies
  • Social media platforms for advertising

 

Service Coordination (With Your Consent)

We may share personal information (not including your mobile number or messaging consent) with service partners to coordinate the services you’re receiving:

 

  • Educational Institutions: Schools and educational programs supporting your children or your own education
  • Healthcare Providers: Mental health counselors, medical clinics, substance use treatment programs
  • Employment Services: Job training programs, employers, career counselors
  • Housing Services: Landlords, housing authorities, utility companies
  • Legal Services: Immigration attorneys, family law attorneys, legal aid organizations
  • Other Social Services: Food banks, childcare providers, transportation services

 

This sharing happens only with your explicit written consent and only to coordinate services that benefit you and your family.

 

Legal Requirements

We may disclose personal information when required by law:

  • Court Orders and Subpoenas: When legally compelled by valid court orders
  • Child Protection: When we have a legal duty to report suspected child abuse or neglect
  • Immediate Danger: When necessary to prevent serious harm to you or others
  • Law Enforcement: When required to comply with legitimate law enforcement requests
  • Regulatory Compliance: To comply with tax laws, housing regulations, and nonprofit reporting requirements

 

Funders and Grantmakers

We share information with foundations, government agencies, and other funders that support our programs:

 

  • Aggregated Data: Statistical information about program participation, outcomes, and demographics (no individually identifiable information)
  • De-identified Data: Information that cannot be traced back to specific individuals
  • Program Reports: Narrative reports about program activities and impact

 

We do not share personally identifiable information with funders without your explicit consent, except as required by specific grant agreements that you are informed about.

 

Service Providers

We work with trusted third-party service providers who help us operate our programs:

  • Payment Processors: To process donations securely
  • Database and Software Providers: To maintain our case management and donor systems
  • Email and Text Message Services: To send communications you’ve requested
  • Website Hosting: To maintain our website

 

These service providers are contractually required to protect your information and use it only for the specific services they provide to us.

 

Business Transfers

In the unlikely event that Mile High Ministries merges with another organization or transfers programs to another entity, your information may be transferred as part of that transaction, but only to an organization with similar values and privacy protections.

 

 

6. Data Security

Protecting your personal information is a top priority, especially given the sensitive circumstances of many people we serve.

 

Security Measures

We implement multiple layers of security:

 

Technical Safeguards:

  • Encrypted data storage and transmission
  • Secure servers with firewall protection
  • Password-protected systems with multi-factor authentication
  • Regular security updates and patches
  • Secure backup systems
  • Regular security assessments and penetration testing

 

Physical Safeguards:

  • Locked file cabinets for paper records
  • Restricted access to offices containing sensitive information
  • Secure disposal of documents (shredding)
  • Visitor sign-in and escort procedures

 

Administrative Safeguards:

  • Access controls limiting who can view sensitive information
  • Staff training on privacy protection and confidentiality
  • Confidentiality agreements for all staff and volunteers
  • Clear policies on data handling and breach response
  • Background checks for staff with access to sensitive information

 

Limitations

While we take extensive precautions, no security system is completely foolproof. We cannot guarantee absolute security of your information. In the event of a data breach affecting your personal information, we will notify you as required by applicable laws.

 

 

7. Your Rights and Choices

You have important rights regarding your personal information.

 

Access and Correction

You have the right to:

  • Request access to the personal information we have about you
  • Request corrections to inaccurate information
  • Receive a copy of your information in commonly used formats

 

To exercise these rights: Contact us at (303) 839-5198 or info@milehighmin.org. We will respond within 30 days.

 

Communication Preferences

Email Communications:

  • Unsubscribe using the link in any email
  • Contact us to update your preferences
  • Choose which types of communications you receive

 

Text Messages:

  • Use the opt-out methods described in Section 4
  • Update your preferences by calling (303) 839-5198

 

Direct Mail:

  • Contact us to remove your name from mailing lists
  • Request to receive only specific types of mailings

 

 

Service-Related Communications

If you are a program participant, some communications are necessary for program administration and cannot be opted out of while you are actively participating in programs. These include appointment reminders, required program meetings, and emergency notifications.

 

No Required Consent for Services

Your participation in Mile High Ministries programs is never conditional on agreeing to marketing communications. You can:

  • Opt out of newsletters, fundraising appeals, and event invitations
  • Limit communications to essential service-related messages only
  • Still receive all program services, case management, and support

 

Data Deletion Requests

In certain circumstances, you may request deletion of your personal information. However, we may need to retain certain information:

  • To complete services you’ve requested
  • To comply with legal obligations (tax records, grant reporting)
  • To protect our legal rights
  • For archival purposes in the public interest

 

For program participants: We typically retain case records for 7 years after program completion to meet legal requirements and evaluate long-term program effectiveness. You can request deletion of non-essential information.

 

Complaint Rights

 

If you believe we’ve violated your privacy rights or handled your information improperly:

 

  1. Contact us first: Call (303) 839-5198 or email info@milehighmin.org. We will investigate and respond within 10 business days.
  2. File a complaint: You may file complaints with:
    • Colorado Attorney General’s Office (if you’re a Colorado resident)
    • Federal Trade Commission
    • Relevant regulatory bodies for text messaging compliance

 

 

8. Children’s Privacy

Mile High Ministries serves many families with children, including through our Joshua Station program and Clara Brown Commons. We take special care to protect children’s privacy.

 

Children’s Information We Collect

We collect information about children only when:

  • Their parents/guardians are program participants
  • Necessary to provide family services
  • Required by law or funding sources

 

Information collected may include:

  • Basic demographic information (age, grade level)
  • Educational needs and school information
  • Health information relevant to housing and services
  • Youth program participation

 

Parental Rights and Consent

Parents/guardians have the right to:

  • Access their children’s information
  • Correct inaccurate information
  • Limit sharing of children’s information with service partners
  • Understand how children’s information is used in program evaluation

 

We obtain parental consent before:

  • Sharing children’s information with schools or healthcare providers
  • Including children in program activities that involve data collection beyond basic demographics
  • Using photos or stories of children in promotional materials

 

Youth Program Participants

Teenagers who participate in our youth programs directly may provide contact information to receive program updates. We require parental consent for participants under 18.

 

Online Privacy

Our website is not directed to children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13 through our website. If you believe we’ve inadvertently collected such information, contact us immediately.

 

9. Data Retention {#data-retention}

We retain personal information only as long as necessary for legitimate purposes.

Program Participant Records

Active Participation: We maintain complete records during your active participation in programs.

 

After Program Completion:

  • Core Service Records: Retained for 7 years to meet legal, tax, and grant reporting requirements
  • Case Notes and Detailed Records: Retained for 7 years, then destroyed
  • Contact Information: Retained for 2 years to support follow-up and program evaluation, unless you opt out
  • Aggregated/De-identified Data: Retained indefinitely for research and program improvement

 

Donor Records

  • Donation History: Retained for 7 years to meet IRS requirements
  • Contact Information: Retained while you remain an active donor or supporter
  • Inactive Donors: Contact information purged after 5 years of no donations or engagement, unless you request otherwise

 

Volunteer Records

  • Active Volunteers: Records maintained throughout your volunteer relationship
  • Inactive Volunteers: Records retained for 3 years after last volunteer activity
  • Background Check Records: Retained as required by law

 

Website and Communication Records

  • Website Analytics: Retained for 2 years
  • Email/Text Message Records: Retained for 7 years for compliance purposes
  • Opt-Out Records: Maintained indefinitely to honor your preferences

 

Deletion Procedures

When retention periods expire, we securely delete or destroy information using:

  • Secure electronic deletion
  • Physical destruction (shredding) of paper records
  • Documented destruction procedures for sensitive information

 

10. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy to reflect changes in our practices, legal requirements, or organizational structure.

 

How We Notify You of Changes

Material Changes (those that significantly affect your rights or how we use your information):

  • Posted prominently on our website with a notice of changes
  • Email notification to program participants, donors, and subscribers
  • Text message notification to those who receive text messages from us

 

Minor Changes (clarifications, administrative updates):

  • Updated policy posted on our website
  • Updated “Last Modified” date at the top of this policy

 

 

Your Continued Relationship

Your continued participation in our programs, receipt of services, or interaction with Mile High Ministries after we post changes constitutes acceptance of the updated Privacy Policy.

 

If you disagree with changes, you may:

  • Discontinue receiving marketing communications while continuing to participate in programs
  • Contact us to discuss your concerns
  • For program participants, continue receiving services regardless of policy changes (your housing and services are not conditional on policy acceptance)

 

 

11. Contact Us

For questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or how we handle your personal information:

Mile High Ministries

 

Main Office:
913 North Wyandot Street
Denver, CO 80204
Phone: (303) 839-5198
Email: info@milehighmin.org

Joshua Station Office:
2330 West Mulberry Place
Denver, CO 80204

Clara Brown Commons:
3701 York Street
Denver, CO 80205

 

 

Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

 

For Privacy-Related Inquiries:

  • Email: info@milehighmin.org (Subject: Privacy Request)
  • Phone: (303) 839-5198 (ask for Privacy Officer)

 

For Text Messaging Questions:

 

We will respond to privacy inquiries within 10 business days.

 

Additional Information

Our Values and Approach to Privacy

Mile High Ministries’ approach to privacy reflects our core values:

 

Dignity and Respect: We recognize that people experiencing homelessness, poverty, or life transitions deserve the same privacy protections as anyone else. We collect only information necessary to provide excellent services and protect your information as carefully as you would protect your own.

 

Transparency: We are honest about what information we collect, why we need it, and how we use it. We avoid hidden data practices or unexpected uses of your information.

 

Community and Trust: Our programs work because of the trust relationships we build with participants, donors, volunteers, and partners. Protecting privacy is essential to maintaining that trust.

 

Advocacy: We advocate for systemic changes that address homelessness and poverty while protecting the civil rights and privacy of marginalized people.

 

Accessibility

We are committed to making this Privacy Policy accessible to everyone we serve:

  • Language Access: Available in Spanish upon request. Call (303) 839-5198 for translation assistance.
  • Format Options: Available in large print or audio format upon request.
  • Plain Language: We’ve written this policy to be as clear as possible. If anything is confusing, please ask us to explain.

 

Questions and Feedback

Your feedback helps us improve our privacy practices. If you have suggestions, concerns, or questions about this Privacy Policy, please contact us using the information above.

 

 

Mile High Ministries is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (Tax ID 84-0782214).

We seek God’s peace for our city through the creative, compassionate, and prayerful development of people and communities.