Region 1 Planning Council (R1) is committed to maintaining the privacy and security of all personal information collected in the course of providing housing counseling and related community development services. This Privacy Policy outlines how R1 collects, uses, safeguards, and discloses client information in compliance with applicable laws and ethical practices, both through direct service delivery and via digital platforms.
R1 collects nonpublic personal information (“Client Information”) from clients and third parties as necessary to provide housing counseling and related services. This may include names, addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, demographic data, social security numbers, employment and income information, loan status, and credit history. Information may be collected through application forms, interviews, counseling sessions, and consumer reporting agencies. Additionally, when users interact with our website, we may collect online data such as IP addresses, browser type, and activity logs, as well as data from tools like Google Analytics. Our website may also use cookies — small data files stored on your device — to enhance user experience, although you may choose to disable them through your browser settings.
The information collected is used to provide housing counseling services, assess eligibility for programs, communicate with clients, and fulfill regulatory and reporting obligations. R1 may share information with third-party service providers only when necessary to administer services or comply with legal requirements. We may also disclose information when legally obligated to do so, such as in response to a subpoena, audit, or government request. R1 does not sell or share personal information for marketing or commercial purposes under any circumstances.
R1 is committed to protecting the confidentiality and integrity of Client Information. Security measures that protect your data include physical safeguards such as locked file storage and access-controlled office areas, as well as technical safeguards like password-protected systems, secure network infrastructure, and routine software updates. Employees receive ongoing training on privacy responsibilities and are required to follow security protocols. Only authorized personnel are granted access to Client Information, and any breach of these policies may result in disciplinary action.
When information is no longer needed, it is disposed of securely. Physical documents are shredded, and electronic data is permanently deleted using appropriate digital sanitation methods to prevent unauthorized access.
R1’s website may contain links to external sites not operated by R1. While we take care to link only to reputable organizations, we are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of these external sites. Users are encouraged to review the privacy policies of any third-party sites they visit.
This Privacy Policy may be updated in response to regulatory changes, new technology, or changes in organizational operations. Clients will be notified of significant updates, and the most current version of the policy will always be available on R1’s website.
If you have any questions about this privacy statement or would like to share your concerns with R1, please reach out to us by email at info@r1planning.org or in writing to:
Region 1 Planning Council
127 N Wyman St, Suite 100
Rockford, IL 61101
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