Privacy Policy

NearHand ("we", "us", "our") operates a community-powered marketplace that connects members who need help with everyday tasks and roadside emergencies to vetted neighbours who can provide that help.

This Privacy Policy explains what personal information we collect, how we use it, and the choices you have. By creating an account and using NearHand, you agree to the practices described here.

Account information: your name, email address, and a profile photo you choose to upload.

Location data: when you post a help request or toggle yourself available as a helper, we use your device GPS to match you with nearby members. You can disable location at any time in your device settings, but some features will not work without it.

Identity verification: to keep the community safe, every member completes a one-time background check through our partner Certn. The fee is paid directly to Certn; we do not see or store the underlying criminal-record data — we only receive a pass/fail result.

Payment information: payments are processed by Stripe. We never see or store your full card number. Helpers receive earnings through Stripe Connect.

Usage data: device type, app interactions, and crash reports used to improve the service.

To match requesters with nearby helpers and display live job status.

To process payments, hold funds safely during a job, and release payouts to helpers.

To verify identity and run background checks through Certn.

To communicate with you about your requests, payments, and account changes.

To investigate and resolve disputes, and to enforce our Terms of Service.

With other members: when a match is made, the requester and helper can see each other's first name, photo, and live location for the duration of the job.

With service providers: Stripe (payments), Certn (background checks), and cloud hosting — each governed by their own privacy policies.

For legal reasons: if required by law, court order, or to protect the safety of our community.

We never sell your personal information.

We keep your account information for as long as your account is active.

Transaction and background-check records are retained as required by law and for dispute resolution.

You can request deletion of your account at any time from your Profile page; some records may be kept for legal obligations.

Access and correct your personal information from your Profile page.

Request a copy of your data by contacting support.

Delete your account through the Profile page.

Opt out of promotional emails — transactional emails (job updates, payments) are always sent.

We use industry-standard encryption in transit and at rest.

Payment data is handled entirely by Stripe — we never store full card numbers.

No method of transmission or storage is 100% secure, but we work hard to protect your information.

NearHand is for members 18 years and older. We do not knowingly collect information from children.

We may update this policy from time to time. We'll notify you of significant changes through the app or by email.

Questions about this policy? Visit our Support page or contact us at nearhand@bcreatives.org.