How clients opt in
to SMS updates.

Client downloads Groundrise Connect

When a client is enrolled by their coordinator, they receive an invitation to download the Groundrise Connect mobile app. The app is available on the Apple App Store (App ID: 6773457286) and Google Play.

No SMS messages are sent at this stage. The client has not yet opted in.

Client navigates to their Profile page

Inside Groundrise Connect, the client taps the Profile tab at the bottom of the screen. This page shows their community, unit number, assigned coordinator, mobile number on file, and communication preferences.

The “Receive SMS updates” toggle is clearly visible and defaults to off. Before the client enables it, the screen already displays the required disclosure below the toggle, covering what messages they'll receive, how often, applicable rates, and how to opt out — along with links to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. The client's mobile number, already collected and verified by the client organization at account creation, is displayed on this same screen directly above the toggle.

This disclosure — visible to the client before they enable the toggle — covers all four required elements: purpose (including specific message types), frequency, data rates, and opt-out. The client's mobile number is also visible on the same screen. No consent has been given at this stage.

Client enables the toggle to opt in

The client taps the “Receive SMS updates” toggle to enable it. This action sets their sms_opted_in field to true in the Groundrise database, with a timestamp recording when consent was given.

Only after this action will the client receive any SMS messages from their coordinator or from Groundrise campaigns.

Staff-assisted opt-in

Coordinators may also enable SMS on behalf of a client during an in-person intake meeting or home visit. The coordinator verbally reads the following script to the client:

If the client agrees, the coordinator enables the SMS toggle on their behalf in the Groundrise staff platform. A confirmation dialog requires the coordinator to explicitly acknowledge: “By enabling SMS for this client, you confirm that [client name] has verbally consented to receive SMS updates.” This confirmation is recorded in the platform alongside a timestamp.

This method is used during onboarding when a client has not yet downloaded the Groundrise Connect app but has provided verbal consent directly to their coordinator.

Alternative opt-in: text JOIN to the sender number

Clients who have not yet downloaded the app may also opt in by texting JOIN or START to (602) 878-6686. They immediately receive a confirmation reply:

This automatically sets their SMS opt-in status in the platform database and is used for clients who prefer SMS communication before downloading the app.

Physical signage opt-in: program flyers

Client organizations may also promote the keyword opt-in method through printed flyers posted at communities and program sites — for example, advertising general community services. These flyers include the same target number, keyword, and required disclosures as the in-app instructions above.

Below is a generic example of this type of signage, illustrating the format and required disclosures — not a photograph of a specific posted flyer.

The call-to-action includes the target phone number and keyword, the purpose of the messages, and the required frequency, rate, and opt-out disclosures — consistent with the keyword opt-in method described above.