Legal
Privacy Policy
What we collect, why, who helps us run the site and app, and the choices you have. Searching the directory never requires any personal information.
Effective September 29, 2026
Who we are
OC Home Assist is a free, independent directory of housing assistance programs in Orange County, California, available at ochomeassist.com and as a mobile app. It is operated by Bruce Clark (CalRE #01503471) and Veronica Ruiz (CalRE #01400361), real estate agents with Real Broker. "We," "us," and "our" in this policy mean OC Home Assist and its operators. This policy covers both the website and the app.
You can search the directory without creating an account or giving us any personal information. We only collect personal information when you choose to send it to us, as described below.
What we collect
Information you give us
- Contact form (website, and the app's Contact screen): your name, email address, city (optional), and message.
- Newsletter (website): your first name and email address.
- Program submissions (website, for program administrators, lenders, and nonprofits): your name, work email, phone number (optional), organization, role, NMLS ID (optional), the program details you send, and whether you'd like periodic check-in emails.
- Managing your submissions (website): the email address you use to request a sign-in link.
Information collected automatically
- IP address, for spam protection: when you search programs, submit a form, or request a sign-in link, on the website or in the app, we briefly record your IP address to block automated abuse. These records are deleted automatically, usually within two days and never more than about a week.
- Usage information, through Google Analytics (website only): pages you visit, how you arrived, general location (such as city), and device and browser type. See section 5.
- Server logs: our hosting provider automatically logs basic request information, such as IP address, browser type, and pages requested, to operate and secure the service.
The mobile app
When you search, the app sends the city you choose, an optional category, and your language to our server, along with your device's IP address (used for spam protection as described above). The app saves two things on your phone only: the last city you selected and the language you chose. They never leave your device and are erased when you uninstall the app. The app does not use your location, and it does not include analytics or advertising tools. Messages sent from the app's Contact screen are handled the same way as the website's contact form.
How we use your information
- To answer your questions and help you find the right program office.
- To send the newsletter you signed up for, after you confirm your subscription.
- To review, verify, and publish program submissions, and to contact submitters about them.
- To send you sign-in links and confirmation emails you request.
- To keep the website and app secure and block spam and abuse.
- To understand how the website is used so we can improve it.
We do not add you to any mailing list unless you sign up for the newsletter yourself.
Cookies and analytics
On the website, Google Analytics uses cookies to count visits and understand how the site is used, and Google may collect information about your activity on this and other websites over time. Google explains its practices at how Google uses information from sites that use its services. You can opt out with the Google Analytics opt-out browser add-on, or by blocking cookies in your browser settings.
The website sets its own cookie only if you sign in to manage your submissions; it expires when you sign out, close your browser, or after 30 minutes of inactivity. The app does not use cookies or analytics.
Do Not Track: the website does not currently respond differently to "Do Not Track" browser signals.
How long we keep it
- Contact messages: until we no longer need them to follow up with you, or until you ask us to delete them.
- Newsletter: while you're subscribed. After you unsubscribe, we keep only what's needed to honor the unsubscribe; ask us if you want your sign-up record deleted entirely.
- Program submissions: for as long as the related listing is useful to our records. You can delete your contact information at any time (see section 7).
- Spam-protection records (IP addresses): deleted automatically, usually within two days.
- Sign-in links: expire after 30 minutes and are deleted within a day.
- Data saved in the app: stays on your phone and is erased when you uninstall the app.
Your choices and rights
- Unsubscribe from the newsletter with the link at the bottom of any newsletter email.
- Program submitters can view, update, withdraw, or delete their information on the Manage your submissions page.
- Anyone can ask us to show, correct, or delete the personal information we hold about them by emailing support@ochomeassist.com. We may need to confirm it's you before acting on a request, and we'll respond promptly, usually within 30 days.
We won't treat you differently for making any of these requests.
How we protect it
The website and app use encrypted connections (HTTPS), protect forms against automated abuse, and limit access to stored information to the service's operators. Sign-in links for submitters are single-use and stored only in scrambled form. No method of transmission or storage is completely secure, so we can't guarantee absolute security, but we work to protect your information and to keep only what we need.
Children
OC Home Assist is intended for adults and is not directed to children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe a child has sent us information, contact us and we'll delete it.
Links to other websites
Program listings link to official city, county, state, and nonprofit websites. In the app, tapping a program link opens your browser, and tapping an email address opens your email app. Those websites and apps have their own privacy practices, which this policy doesn't cover.
California residents
This policy is designed to meet the California Online Privacy Protection Act. The choices in section 7 are available to everyone, including California residents: you can ask what personal information we've collected about you, ask us to correct or delete it, and we do not sell or share personal information for cross-context behavioral advertising.
Changes to this policy
If we change how we handle personal information, we'll update this page and the effective date at the top. For significant changes, we'll also post a notice on the website.
Contact us
Questions or requests about your privacy: email support@ochomeassist.com or use the contact form. OC Home Assist is an independent directory and is not affiliated with any city, county, or government agency.