HOPE Alerts SMS Privacy Notice
Last updated: August 26, 2026
This SMS Privacy Notice supplements and forms part of The Yunion’s Privacy Policy. It explains how The Yunion collects, uses, shares, retains, and protects mobile telephone numbers and related information associated with HOPE Alerts.
Participation in HOPE Alerts is also governed by the HOPE Alerts SMS Terms of Use.
Information We Collect
When a staff member enrolls in HOPE Alerts, The Yunion may collect and maintain:
- The staff member’s name and mobile telephone number
- The staff member’s signed acknowledgment and consent
- Enrollment and opt-out status
- Relevant enrollment, delivery, and response dates or timestamps
- Limited technical information needed to send messages, process replies, or troubleshoot delivery issues
The Yunion does not collect mobile numbers for HOPE Alerts from program participants, their families, or members of the general public.
How Mobile Numbers Are Collected
Staff members voluntarily provide their mobile numbers during onboarding or another authorized enrollment process. A number is added to the HOPE Alerts notification list only after the staff member has reviewed and signed the required acknowledgment and consent form.
How Information Is Used
Information collected through HOPE Alerts is used only to operate and administer the service, including to:
- Send HOPE Alerts to designated staff members
- Manage enrollment, consent, and opt-out requests
- Process HELP, STOP, and other permitted replies
- Troubleshoot message-delivery issues
- Maintain appropriate operational and compliance records
The Yunion does not use HOPE Alerts mobile numbers or SMS consent information for advertising or promotional purposes.
How Information Is Shared
The Yunion does not sell, rent, trade, or share mobile numbers or SMS consent information with third parties or affiliates for marketing or promotional purposes.
Information may be shared with The Yunion’s SMS delivery provider and other service providers only as necessary to transmit messages, process replies, support the service, or meet legal and compliance obligations. These providers are not authorized to use the information for their own marketing purposes.
Access within The Yunion is limited to authorized personnel who need the information to administer HOPE Alerts or fulfill their organizational responsibilities.
Data Retention
Mobile numbers and related HOPE Alerts information are retained only for as long as reasonably necessary to operate the service, fulfill the purposes described in this notice, honor opt-out requests, and meet applicable legal or compliance obligations.
A staff member’s number will be removed from the active notification list when the staff member:
- Opts out of HOPE Alerts
- Leaves the role requiring the notifications
- Is no longer employed by or affiliated with The Yunion
- Requests removal through an authorized Yunion administrator
Requesting Permanent Deletion
To request permanent deletion of your mobile number and related HOPE Alerts information, email dev@theyunion.org with the subject line “HOPE Alerts Data Deletion Request.”
Please include:
- Your full name
- The mobile number enrolled in HOPE Alerts
- A statement requesting permanent deletion of your HOPE Alerts information
The Yunion may take reasonable steps to verify your identity before processing the request.
After verification, The Yunion will remove your number from the active notification list and delete or de-identify associated information within its control. The Yunion will also direct applicable service providers to remove the information when appropriate.
Limited information may be retained when required by law or reasonably necessary to document consent, honor and enforce an opt-out request, prevent unauthorized re-enrollment, resolve disputes, or demonstrate legal compliance. Information stored in system backups may remain until those backups are overwritten through the normal retention cycle and will not be restored for active use.
Please note that replying STOP ends future HOPE Alerts but does not necessarily delete all associated administrative or compliance records. A separate deletion request should be submitted using the instructions above if permanent deletion is desired.
Accessing or Correcting Your Information
Staff members may request access to or correction of their HOPE Alerts information by contacting The Yunion at dev@theyunion.org.
Information Security
The Yunion uses reasonable administrative, technical, and organizational safeguards designed to protect HOPE Alerts information against unauthorized access, use, disclosure, alteration, or loss. However, no electronic transmission or storage system can be guaranteed to be completely secure.
Changes to This Notice
The Yunion may update this SMS Privacy Notice periodically. The revised notice will be posted with a new “Last updated” date. When appropriate, participating staff members will be notified of material changes.
Contact Information
The Yunion
1129 Oakman Boulevard
Detroit, MI 48238
dev@theyunion.org