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Pandemic Unemployment Benefits End for Texans on June 26, 2021

The State of Texas’ participation in federal pandemic unemployment benefit programs is ending. As a result, the final benefit week that the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) will pay federal pandemic unemployment benefits under the American Rescue Plan is the benefit week ending June 26, 2021. This includes the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program for those who traditionally do not qualify […]

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Elder Abuse Prevention in TX: Older Adults are Often Unaware of their Legal Rights

June is Elder Abuse Prevention Month and all month, we are working with community partners and professional groups around the state to raise awareness about adult abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation. Our Justice for Older Adults aims at assisting older adults living in 25 high-poverty counties. This new advocacy initiative will serve older adults facing a variety of civil legal […]

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Lone Star Legal Aid Joins the National PRIDE Celebration throughout the Month of June

Lone Star Legal Aid joins the National PRIDE celebration throughout the month of June. The first Pride March was held in June 1970 to commemorate the Stonewall Riots/Uprising of 1969, and the LGBTQIA+ community has been gathering annually since to march for social justice, equal rights, and celebrate social and self acceptance. A year prior, members of the gay community […]

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COVID-19 Resource: Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer

Enrolled students (up to 21 years of age) in families that temporarily lost access to free or reduced-price school meals for the 2020–2021 school year due to the COVID-19 pandemic may be eligible to receive Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT). P-EBT benefits can be used to buy food from any retailer that accepts the Lone Star Card.  Who is eligible?  […]

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June is National Homeownership Month

Every June, Lone Star Legal Aid participates in National Homeownership Awareness Month by celebrating all the work we do to keep homeowners in their homes. Lone Star Legal Aid’s Foreclosure Prevention Project helps low-income homeowners and their families preserve homeownership and, in doing so, protect home equity, gain housing stability, and safeguard communities. The Foreclosure Prevention Project works to prevent […]

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Discrimination Cases Rise Among the Asian American & Pacific Islander Community Amidst the Pandemic

Since the first Coronavirus appearance in December 2019, the United States has experienced a multitude of obstacles, including the weight of isolation, unemployment, housing and food instability. In addition, the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community has continually been on the receiving end of prejudice and racial discrimination.  Why is this happening more than ever before? There is still […]

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TODAY is the deadline for Winter Storm Uri FEMA Assistance

It has been three months since Winter Storm Uri hit in February and left Texans scrambling for home and vehicle repairs. Although many Texans may have taken care of repairs on their own by now, they may be reimbursed for out of pocket expenses by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). What can FEMA help me with? FEMA provides assistance […]

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Protecting Immigrant Families: Public Charge Rule No Longer Applies to US Citizenship Applicants or Petitioners

The 2019 Public Charge Rule created confusion and fear that may have prevented immigrants and their families, including their children, from accessing critical government services available to them. It is critical that immigrants and their families, many of whom are essential workers, are able to access necessary government services for which they may be eligible to keep their families safe […]

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The Federal Communications Commission is Offering an Emergency Broadband Internet Benefit Program

The Federal Communications Commission is offering an Emergency Broadband Benefit Program that provides support for broadband (internet) services and certain devices to help low-income households stay connected during the COVID-19 pandemic. This new benefit will connect eligible households to jobs, critical healthcare services, virtual classrooms, and so much more. About the Emergency Broadband Benefit The Emergency Broadband Benefit will provide […]

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Tropical Storm Imelda Survivors Eligible for Aid Through the Homeowner Assistance and Reimbursement Programs

In September of 2019–two short years after Hurricane Harvey– the Texas Gulf Coast was hit with Tropical Storm Imelda. The storm lasted through the weekend and was dubbed the worst storm in Texas since Harvey, leaving in its wake 5 deaths and innumerable losses. The heavy rainfall shut down most roadways and flooded vehicles, buildings, and homes. Imelda hit hardest […]

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May 9th -15th is National Hurricane Preparedness Week

May 9-15, 2021 is National Hurricane Preparedness Week. This week is dedicated to informing, preparing, and planning for disastrous weather this hurricane season. Rain, wind, and water can happen anywhere, not just on the coast, so it’s keen to start preparing as soon as possible. It is important to consider how COVID-19 might affect your preparation plans. Make sure everyone […]

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LSLA Military & Veterans Unit Helps Active-Duty Soldier Acquire Conservatorship of Siblings

Jane Smith is an active-duty soldier, serving as a medic at Fort Hood. She has two younger half-siblings under her care; her brothers initially lived with their mother and stepfather, but the family has had a few encounters with Child Protective Services. The parents were often homeless and unemployed, and when they were both arrested for drug use, the boys […]

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Lone Star Legal Aid’s New Advocacy Project: Justice for Older Adults

For many people, becoming an older adult brings newfound freedom and benefits: grown children, impending retirement, exploring new interests, travel, and more time for self-care. But just as often, older adulthood can bring challenges to safety, independence, self-determination, and financial security. May is Older American’s Month which raises awareness concerning elder abuse and neglect as we age. We must be […]

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Connecting Texas Kids to Coverage: On-site Enrollment Clinics Announcement

Lone Star Legal Aid is beginning to have more community partners join our Connecting Texas Kids to Coverage Unit for on-site enrollment clinics. Please see the dates and times below. BakerRipley Harback: Medicaid/CHIP Enrollment Clinic   Frequency: Monthly Event – 3rd Wednesday of the Month  Address: 6225 Northdale Street Houston, TX 77087  Time: 9 AM – 1 PM  Highland Heights Elementary School: Medicaid/CHIP Enrollment Clinic  Frequency: […]

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Connecting Texas Kids to Medical Coverage: Lone Star Legal Aid Available to Help with SNAP and Medicaid Benefit Appeals

HHSC announced SNAP and Medicaid benefit renewals will automatically be renewed so that existing clients can maintain coverage during the crisis, but many Lone Star Legal Aid (LSLA) clients have reported their benefits have been denied or terminated.  Lone Star Legal Aid’s Connecting Texas Kids to Coverage Team is available to help SNAP and Medicaid recipients with the appeal process […]

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Lone Star Legal Aid’s Disaster Relief Unit to Host FEMA Funeral Assistance Presentation

People who need aid covering the financial costs of funerals for loved ones who died of COVID-19 may be eligible for up to $9,000 in assistance from the federal relief legislation enacted in March. Under the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021 and the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, FEMA is providing financial assistance for COVID-19 […]

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April 22 is Earth Day!

The constant advancement of science, technology, and engineering has allowed for global progress, but our planet has endured the less favorable consequences of the process. With each passing day, our duty to preserve and protect the Earth grows. Though every day should present the opportunity to practice environmentally conscious and mindful behavior, April 22nd has served as the official Earth […]

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