Know what RWN can—and cannot—do.

1. Using this directory

These terms apply when you use realworldneeds.org. By using the site, you agree to use it lawfully and understand the operating boundaries below. If you do not agree, do not use the site.

RWN currently offers a public information directory. It does not create an account, client, patient, donor, volunteer, employment, legal, or professional relationship with you.

2. Emergency and urgent help

RWN is not an emergency service. It does not monitor requests, place emergency calls, dispatch responders, provide crisis counseling, or know whether a person reached a provider. Listings that mention emergency, crisis, health, domestic violence, trafficking, suicide, or legal services remain third-party resources; their own eligibility, safety, and response procedures apply.

Use your judgment about device privacy and personal safety. If opening a map, making a call, or visiting a site could put you at risk, use a safer device or contact a trusted person when possible.

3. What directory information means

RWN reviews listings against named public or provider sources and shows a review date. Even careful information can become outdated. Hours, address, eligibility, capacity, cost, languages, documentation requirements, geographic coverage, and program availability can change without notice.

• Service site markers aim to show a public-facing physical service location.
• Official locator markers represent the geographic scope or access point of a provider’s own locator, not every service site in that area.
• Network markers represent a recognized network or program coverage area and may not be a walk-in location.

Check the linked original source and, when practical, contact the provider before travelling or relying on a listing. RWN does not decide eligibility, reserve capacity, make referrals, or guarantee an outcome.

4. Globe and map locations

The globe is a discovery interface, not a survey or navigation instrument. Direct-service coordinates are intended to identify the listed public location, but map imagery, national boundaries, labels, and coordinates can be generalized or imperfect. Locator and network coordinates are representative by design.

Apple Maps and Google Maps links open independent services. Review the destination, route, border, safety, and accessibility information before travel.

5. Independent organizations and links

RWN does not operate, control, endorse, or speak for a listed provider merely by including it. Each provider is responsible for its services, staff, safeguarding, advice, accessibility, privacy, availability, and legal compliance. Linked sites may collect information under their own terms and privacy notices.

RWN is not responsible for a third party’s acts, omissions, content, closures, wait times, refusals, or service decisions.

6. No medical, legal, or professional advice

Directory information is general information, not medical diagnosis or treatment, legal advice, financial advice, immigration advice, or a substitute for a qualified professional. Do not disregard professional advice because of something shown on RWN.

7. Fair and lawful use

You may use the site to find and share help. You may not:

• interfere with the site, bypass security controls, or send malicious code;
• scrape or overload the service in a way that harms public access;
• misrepresent affiliation with RWN or a listed organization;
• reuse directory information to exploit, discriminate against, surveil, or harm people seeking help; or
• copy RWN branding in a way that creates confusion about who operates another service.

Public facts and provider information remain subject to their original sources. RWN’s original interface, text, and branding are protected to the extent allowed by law.

8. Availability, warranties, and responsibility

RWN is provided on an “as available” basis. To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, RWN disclaims implied warranties of accuracy, availability, fitness for a particular purpose, and non-infringement. Nothing here excludes a warranty or right that cannot lawfully be excluded.

To the fullest extent permitted by law, RWN is not liable for indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive loss arising from use of the directory or reliance on third-party information. These limits do not apply where the law does not allow them, and they do not limit liability that cannot legally be limited.

You remain responsible for confirming information and choosing whether and how to contact or visit a provider.

9. Changes and continuity

RWN may correct, add, remove, or reorganize listings and features to protect users and improve the directory. These terms may change as the organization and service mature. Material changes will be dated on this page and apply prospectively. If part of these terms cannot be enforced, the remaining parts continue to apply.