Legal

Privacy Policy

Effective Date: May 14, 2026  |  Last Updated: May 14, 2026

HomeTown Ministries International ("HomeTown Ministries," "we," "us," or "our") operates the CHOICES mobile application and the website at hometownministries.com (together, the "Service"). This Privacy Policy explains what information we collect, how we use it, and the choices you have. We respect your privacy and are committed to protecting it.

By using CHOICES, you agree to the practices described in this policy.

1. Who We Are

HomeTown Ministries International is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit ministry. The CHOICES app is designed to equip Christians to grow in faith, share the Gospel, and connect people in need to local affiliate churches.

2. Information We Collect

Information You Provide Directly

• Account / PIN Information: When you log in as a Church/Lead or Ambassador, we collect the PIN assigned to your account along with any account details associated with it (such as your name as displayed in the app).
• Ambassador Registration: If you join CHOICES as an Ambassador, we may collect your name, email address, church affiliation (if any), and location.
• Referral Form Submissions ("Connect Someone to Help"): When you submit a referral, we collect the name, location (city/area), contact information (phone or email), and description of need for the person being referred. Please only submit information for individuals who have given you permission to share their details with us.
• Donations: If you choose to give through the app, payment is processed securely by Stripe. We do not store your full credit card number. We receive confirmation of the donation, the amount, and basic donor information for tax-receipt purposes.
• Community Posts ("The Wall"): Any content you voluntarily post — including testimonies, mission completions, or prayer requests — is visible to other CHOICES users.
• Prayer Requests: Prayer requests you submit may be shared with affiliated churches and prayer teams for intercession.

Information Collected Automatically

• Usage Data: We collect information about how you use the app — features accessed, daily streaks, points earned, missions completed, and content viewed.
• Device Information: Device type, operating system, app version, and general crash/diagnostic data to help us improve the app.
• Notifications: If you enable push notifications, we collect a device token used solely to deliver those notifications.

Information We Do NOT Collect

• We do not collect precise GPS location data.
• We do not access your contacts, photos, microphone, or camera unless you explicitly grant permission for a specific feature.
• We do not sell your personal information to any third party — ever.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

• Provide the core features of the app (daily devotionals, prayer book, missions, share tools, ambassador tracking).
• Connect people who submit referrals with the nearest CHOICES affiliate church for follow-up and discipleship.
• Process donations and issue tax receipts.
• Send notifications about new content, missions, and prayer requests (only if you've enabled them).
• Improve the app, fix bugs, and develop new features.
• Communicate with you about the ministry, ambassador program, and important updates.
• Comply with legal obligations.

4. How We Share Your Information

We share information only as described here:

• With Affiliate Churches: When you submit a referral through the "Connect Someone to Help" feature, the referral information is shared with the nearest CHOICES affiliate church so they can provide follow-up, pastoral care, and discipleship.
• With Service Providers: We use trusted third parties to operate the app, including:
  • Stripe (payment processing for donations)
  • Apple Music, Spotify, and YouTube Music (music streaming links — these open in their own apps and operate under their own privacy policies)
  • Cloud hosting providers (to store app data securely)
  • Email and notification services (to communicate with users)
• For Legal Reasons: We may disclose information if required by law, court order, or to protect the safety of our users or others.
• With Your Consent: Any other sharing only happens with your clear, informed consent.

We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information.

5. Data Security

We use industry-standard safeguards to protect your information, including encrypted connections (HTTPS), secure payment processing through Stripe, and restricted access to user data. However, no system is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security. You are responsible for keeping your PIN confidential.

6. Children's Privacy

CHOICES is intended for users 13 and older. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe a child under 13 has provided us with personal information, please contact us and we will delete it promptly. Minors aged 13–17 should use the app with parental awareness and consent.

7. Your Rights and Choices

You have the right to:

• Access the personal information we hold about you.
• Correct any inaccurate information.
• Delete your account and associated personal data.
• Opt out of marketing communications at any time.
• Disable notifications in your device settings.
• Withdraw consent for any optional data collection.

To exercise any of these rights, contact us using the information below.

8. Data Retention

We retain your information for as long as your account is active or as needed to provide the Service, comply with legal obligations, resolve disputes, and enforce our agreements. Donation records are retained as required by tax and nonprofit reporting laws. When you delete your account, we remove personal information within 30 days, except where retention is required by law.

9. Third-Party Links and Services

The app may contain links to third-party websites or services (such as Apple Music, Spotify, YouTube Music, and Stripe). We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these third parties. We encourage you to read their privacy policies before providing any information.

10. International Users

CHOICES is operated from the United States. If you access the app from outside the U.S., your information will be transferred to, stored, and processed in the United States. By using the app, you consent to this transfer.

11. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. When we do, we'll revise the "Last Updated" date at the top of this page. Material changes will be communicated through the app or by email. Continued use of CHOICES after changes means you accept the updated policy.

12. Contact Us

For questions about this Privacy Policy, your data, or the CHOICES app, please reach out:

• HomeTown Ministries International
• Email: support@hometownministries.com
• Hotline: 1-844-575-HOME (1-844-575-4663)
• Website: hometownministries.com

HomeTown Ministries International is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.