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On December 3, 2023, International Day of Persons with Disabilities initiative joins partners around the world for a call to action. More than 1.3 billion people experience a significant disability today which represents 16 percent of the global population. Many people with disabilities are at an increased risk of developing a range of health conditions. They also suffer from unequal […]

Mr. Smith suffered from mental and visual impairments for most of his adult life when he was shot in the head, face, and arm. The bullets were so fragmented that they are currently still resting in his head and face. These impairments qualified him for Social Security Disability Income (SSDI). He told Lone Star Legal Aid that his lack of […]

In 2019, the U.S. reported a population of 54.1 million people age 65 or older (the most recent year for which data is available). They represented 16% of the population–more than one in every seven Americans. Older adults consistently experience the most significant percentage of loss during and after natural disasters compared to younger age groups (Fernandez, Byard, Lin, Benson, […]

October is National Crime Prevention Month, National Bullying Prevention Month and Cyber Security Awareness Month. These national observances spread awareness about prevention and personal safety among millions of Americans. Lone Star Legal Aid contributes to the safety of families and communities in Texas and Southwest Arkansas. Our Crime Victim Unit represents, educates, and advocates for victims of crime. LSLA also […]

October is not just a month; it’s a movement. The month marks a significant time of year for survivors of domestic violence. Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) is a way for survivors and advocates to connect across the nation, working to end violence against women, men, and children. This year, on October 19, 2023, DVAM will encourage people and organizations […]

In 2020, Congress passed the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA), part of which continued Medicaid benefits for those already enrolled, regardless of any changes in eligibility. That continuous Medicaid coverage ended on March 31, 2023, and the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) began disenrolling recipients in May.    HHSC began sending recertification letters to all Medicaid recipients […]

In 2013, Maira and Charlesh wed in Pakistan, aspiring to a brighter future in the United States. Charlesh migrated in 2015, followed by Maira and their child in 2017. They secured employment, obtained green cards, and aimed for U.S. citizenship. After arriving, Charlesh’s demeanor changed, leading to abuse and then a divorce and custody dispute. Charlesh deliberately isolated Maira and […]

It wasn’t until 1990 that the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law to give people with disabilities a chance at equal opportunity. People were living with disabilities that no one had ever heard of before but didn’t have equal access to justice. People were facing segregation, discrimination, and attacks on their basic human rights.  Fast forward 25 […]

Access to justice is a fundamental right that gives every person access to legal remedies for their legal problems. However, for people with low-incomes, access to justice can be a challenge. Legal aid ensures access to justice regardless of a person’s financial means. What is Legal Aid? Legal aid is a system of providing legal assistance to individuals who cannot […]

Our elderly population routinely faces several forms of abuse, like neglect and financial exploitation. Consistently educating the public through advocacy and action will provide awareness and prevention of elder abuse. June is Elder Abuse Awareness Month, and today, June 15, is Elder Abuse Awareness Day! While physical abuse, neglect and abandonment are frequently used forms of elder abuse, financial exploitation […]

PTSD Awareness Overview National Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Awareness Month is celebrated annually in June, and the awareness day is June 27, 2023. It aims to raise awareness of the disorder itself, which is a mental health issue that can develop after a person has endured a traumatic event, such as war, sexual assault, or a natural disaster. A person […]

Meet Dennis, a devoted husband and father, whose life took an unexpected turn when he applied for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and was shockingly denied. Despite battling high blood pressure, gout, arthritis in multiple areas of his body, and lingering depression, Dennis was told he was “not disabled.” Faced with the daunting reality of being unable to work due […]

Lone Star Legal Aid joins the National PRIDE celebration throughout the month of June. LSLA recognizes the importance of connecting to our client populations in a respectful, culturally competent manner. With recent expansions in LGBTQIA+ legal rights and protections, it is important that members of the community are offered direct legal assistance and opportunities to learn about their rights through […]

Navigating the legal landscape can be daunting, especially when faced with complex terminologies. To empower individuals with a better understanding of civil law, we aim to define and explain some common legal terms encountered in civil proceedings. By familiarizing ourselves with these terms, we can communicate effectively, make informed decisions, and navigate legal matters with confidence. In this guide, we’ll […]

Beware of notario fraud! It’s important to understand the risks involved to protect yourself and your loved ones. Notarios are not lawyers, even though their title might sound similar. They cannot provide legal advice or represent you in immigration matters.  Some people pretend to be notarios to take advantage of vulnerable individuals seeking help with their immigration cases. They may […]

What is Title IX? Title IX is a federal civil rights law in the United States that prohibits discrimination based on sex in any educational institution that receives federal funding. Title IX protects individuals from gender-based discrimination in education, including sexual harassment, sexual violence, and sexual assault. Title IX requires educational institutions to address reports of sexual violence and support […]

HOUSTON, TX – Lone Star Legal Aid, alongside dozens of other volunteers and local nonprofit organizations, were recipients of volunteer appreciation awards Friday morning at City Hall. We were presented with the Mayor’s Community Engagement Award. We received the award because of our involvement with the City of Houston Department of Neighborhoods (DON) and Neighborhood Recovery Community Development Corporation’s (NRCDC) […]

Every May, the Administration for Community Living (ACL) leads the nation’s annual celebration of Older Americans Month (OAM). The theme for 2023 is “Aging Unbound,” which aims to discuss the diversity among aging populations, and discredit stereotypes. For many people, becoming an older adult brings newfound freedom and benefits: grown children, impending retirement, exploring new interests, travel, and more time […]

The Intercontinental Terminals Company (ITC) is seeking a renewal of a Federal Operating Permit (FOP) from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) for the Deer Park Terminal, where a hazardous chemical fire occurred in 2019. To discuss the permit application, a Public Hearing will be held on May 4th at 7 PM at the Gaines Mason Auditorium, also known […]

Not all legal problems are solved in the courtroom. Lawyers can help you with legal advice only or brief service. This is like an interview where you talk to the lawyer about your problem, and they give you advice. This can help you decide what to do next about your legal problem. In some cases, they may provide a brief […]