News and stories about our work to protect and advance the civil legal rights of low-income Texans.
Houston, Texas – The City of Houston’s Council Member, Leticia Plummer, hosted the Fifth Ward Cancer Cluster Collaborative Summit from April 24th through the 27th. The summit included a community sites tour, press conference, townhall, a proclamation in honor of IMPACT Greater Fifth Ward and advocate Sandra Small, and community breakout sessions with environmental and community leaders. IMPACT Greater Fifth […]
The Champions of Justice Gala Benefiting Veterans, held on April 25 at the Bullock Texas State History Museum in Austin, raised $485,000 to provide civil legal services to low-income Texas veterans. The Texas Access to Justice Commission and the State Bar of Texas co-sponsored the event, and the funds raised will be distributed by the Texas Access to Justice Foundation […]
April is Texas Giving Month, a time to help Texas charities recover from a turbulent last few years. Nonprofits are also businesses, and individual donations allow us to be innovative, provide high quality services, and sustain our work when other resources are unavailable. Individual donations also allow us to help people and families in ways that funders and program designers […]
A whole week in April each year is dedicated to recognizing crime victims, their rights, and their stories. It is an annual campaign that focuses on the victims’ rights movement, federal legislation, court decisions, government actions, and programs working with crime victims. The week-long campaign raises awareness and helps victims rebuild their lives. National Crime Victims’ Rights Week is a […]
Domestic violence can have serious consequences for survivors. It is important for anyone experiencing or witnessing domestic violence to seek support. In this article, we will explore the legal and non-legal options available for survivors of domestic violence. Legal Options for Survivors of Domestic Violence Civil legal aid can be a helpful resource for survivors of domestic violence by providing […]
A Word on Food Security In conjunction with providing free legal assistance, Lone Star Legal Aid strives to seek and maintain safety, stability, health, and well-being; and improve outcomes for children. At the intersection of these priorities lives an ongoing battle against food insecurity. Today we would like to spotlight a valuable community resource that provides meal assistance to families […]
Bailey met her boyfriend Danny through her friendship with his sister. They dated on and off for several years, often separating due to Danny’s emotional and physical abuse towards Bailey. When Danny was arrested for robbery, Bailey decided that was the final straw, and broke up with him. She had been working hard towards her career as a licensed security […]
Based on current COVID-19 trends, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is planning for the federal Public Health Emergency (PHE) for COVID-19, declared under Section 319 of the Public Health Service (PHS) Act, to expire on May 11, 2023. Earlier this month, there was an announcement ending the additional funding for SNAP recipients due to the PHE ending, […]
Updated February 15, 2023 Freeport, TX – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties is evaluating the complaint submitted by Lone Star Legal Aid on behalf of residents living in the East End of Freeport, Texas in November 2017. The administrative complaint alleges violations of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 […]
The Federal Trade Commission’s Tax Identity Theft Awareness Week was between January 30 and February 5 this year. Identity theft occurs when someone uses your personal or financial information — like your Social Security or financial account number — to commit fraud. Seniors are vulnerable to identity theft scams because they are often more trusting, have more savings and home […]
Houston, TX – Lone Star Legal Aid’s Eviction Right to Counsel Initiative will spread the love on Valentine’s Day at Harris County Justice of the Peace – Precinct 5, Place 1. Currently, there are over 500 eviction cases set for trial in Harris County JP 5-1. Attorneys in our Eviction Right to Counsel Initiative will be on site all day […]
Mariah married her military husband Sean and raised two children together, and one from Sean’s previous relationship beginning when the child was two years-old. This child is now a teenager, and recently, he came out as transgender and said he wanted to go by Calvin. Mariah was working hard to provide Calvin with all the support he needed while transitioning. […]
Pasadena, TX – Lone Star Legal Aid Staff was present to assist survivors of the January 24th Tornado Event at the Disaster Assistance Recovery Center located at the Pasadena Convention Center between Friday, January 27 and Sunday, January 29. The event was hosted by the City of Pasadena, and the City of Deer Park, to help residents gather important recovery […]
Sandy is a 74 year-old widow in East Texas who struggled to maintain her household after her husband passed away. Although she was with her common law husband for 29 years, and they had children together, they never formally married. “I was never married before him, and I have never even dated anyone else,” said Sandy. Sandy applied for legal […]
In honor of Giving Season, we are hosting food drives to support local food banks! Our goal is to increase food stability and raise awareness of our services in all 76 counties we serve. Giving Season takes place between November 1 and December 31. During this time, nonprofit organizations campaign for donations, champion volunteer work, and inspire acts of kindness. […]
Overview Most Affordable Care Act Coverage Plans will stay the same, leading into each new year. However, new rules implemented this past year will affect coverage in 2023, reducing your cost. If you haven’t been able to find a plan, or this is your first-time shopping for an affordable health plan, we will go over what you need to know […]
Texas Veterans Legal Aid Week is an annual celebration of our services to Veterans. Texas has the second-highest population of veterans in the nation. According to the Department of Veterans Affairs’ annual survey of homeless and formerly homeless Veterans, legal issues account for five of the top 10 unmet needs of homeless Veterans. Obtaining access to free legal services can […]
Annually in October, Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) is recognized to raise awareness of how organizations can come together to educate our communities and collectively advocate to end domestic violence. Each year, Lone Star Legal Aid (LSLA) takes the time to reflect on where we have been in advocating for domestic violence and representing victims, and where we are going […]
Every October, the National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC) asks us to renew or join the commitment to help “Take A Bite Out Of Crime®.” In 1984, October was designated as Crime Prevention Month through a Presidential proclamation and since then, NCPC has been working with local law enforcement, government agencies, civic groups, schools and businesses, and other organizations to help […]
With the approval of the student loan forgiveness plan, over 8 million borrowers qualify for debt relief. However, the details on how to qualify or apply for relief may be difficult to keep track of, making many parties vulnerable to scams disguised as “assistance.” You do not need to do anything or pay anyone upfront to apply for the new […]
