Terms & Conditions

HMIS Data Collection - Release of Information

Clients consent to their data being stored in the local homeless management information system, or HMIS, via their agreement to the following release of information.

* The Federal Privacy Act of 1974 requires that you be notified that disclosure of your Social Security number is voluntary under this record-keeping System. This System was authorized pursuant to directives from Congress and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The Social Security number is used to verify identity, assure timely delivery of services, prevent duplication of services, and generate accurate required reports to HUD.

PromisSE is a shared, electronic record keeping System that captures information about people experiencing homelessness or near homelessness, including their service needs. Our Agency is participating in PromisSE, a database that collects information on clients served by its member agencies and the services they provide.

All information gathered about you and members of your household is personal and private. You do not have to share information collected in PromisSE. All information collected will serve for reporting purposes and as a precaution to prevent duplication of services to ineligible individuals and families. Please contact Opening Doors NWFL if you would like to ask questions about PromisSE or review your identifying information, which is authorized by this release for the PromisSE Member Agencies to share. If you would like to further restrict access to information that you have provided, please email your request to security@openingdoorsnwfl.org and we will further secure your information for you. Information about non-confidential services provided to you by human service agencies in the CoC may be shared with other participating in PromisSE agencies. This Release of Information will remain in effect for 5 (five) years after your submission of this application, unless you make a formal request to this Agency that you no longer wish to participate in PromisSE.

Upon a life-threatening emergency or death, your System information will be used for identification purposes.

Upon written consent, a community partner that is a non-System participating agency, including many state or local service agencies can utilize your System information to provide additional services. This is dependent upon the receipt of a signed document verifying your consent to release your information to a Community Partner.

SMS Consent Terms & Conditions

Opening Doors Northwest Florida respects your privacy. By opting into receiving SMS messages about your application, you agree to the following terms regarding how we handle your phone number and SMS messaging consent:

By opting in to receive SMS messages from Opening Doors Northwest Florida, you agree to receive case management messages, and application notification messages.

Data Collection: We will collect your mobile phone number and SMS message consent when you apply. The information will be collected within the Connect Form application for homeless services.

Data Usage: We use your SMS messaging consent solely for following up with you regarding your application and case management with notification and conversational messages.

Data Security: We protect your data with secure storage measures to prevent unauthorized access.

Data Retention: We retain your SMS consent. You may request deletion at any time.

Message and Data Rates May Apply: Your mobile carrier may charge fees for sending or receiving text messages, especially if you do not have an unlimited texting or data plan.

Message Frequency: Message frequency varies, with an average of 1 to 2 messages per month.

Opt-In Instructions for SMS communication regarding your application:

How to Find and Complete the Online Consent Form

To access and complete the SMS consent form, please follow the steps below:

Navigate to the Opening Doors website at: https://www.odnwfl.org/
Click on the “Fill Out Connect Form” button. This will open the online form.
On the second page of the form, you will be asked to enter your contact information, including your mobile phone number, if you have one.
Bellow it, you will see the SMS Text Messaging consent section, where you are asked whether you agree to receive text messages related to your application.
Please review the consent message carefully and select either Yes or No to indicate your preference.
Once your selection is made, continue and submit the form to complete the process.

Only applicants who explicitly select Yes, I agree are opted in to receive SMS text messages related to their application.

Opt-Out Instructions: You may opt out of receiving SMS messages at any time by replying STOP to any message. We will remove your number from our list within 24 hours.

HELP Instructions: If you need assistance with this at any time, please text HELP to 850-439-3009.

Sharing Clause: Opening Doors Northwest Florida does not sell, rent, lease, or share personal information, including mobile phone numbers or SMS opt‑in data, with third parties other than for serving your application. All applicants’ information is used by Opening Doors Northwest Florida and partner agencies to assist you with your application for requested services.