Our safety promise
You should always know who is coming to your door, and volunteers should always feel safe helping.
What HelpingBlock does
- Adult volunteers verify a government photo ID and a live selfie through Persona or Stripe Identity. We never store your ID.
- Students under 18 need a parent or guardian's approval, and can only help ID-verified neighbors.
- Exact addresses are hidden until a verified volunteer signs up for that specific visit.
- Everyone can rate, report and block. A real person reviews every report.
- Check-in and check-out times are recorded for every visit.
For everyone
- Keep messages in the HelpingBlock app. Never share bank details, card numbers or passwords.
- Nobody should ever ask for or offer money for help. Report anyone who does.
- If anything feels wrong, leave or ask the person to leave, then report it. In an emergency, call 911.
If you're asking for help
- Check the green Verified badge and the helper's reviews before they come.
- Use “Share this visit” so a family member knows who is coming and when.
- You never have to let someone in. It's fine to keep the door closed or meet outside.
- Keep valuables and medications out of sight.
If you're volunteering
- Tell a family member where you're going, and check in and out in the app.
- Students: bring a friend or parent when you can. You may stay outside or leave at any time.
- Don't lift anything unsafe, climb ladders, give medical care or handle medication.
- Only accept reimbursement for items you bought, with a receipt. Never accept other money or gifts.
Emergency? Call 911.