News and stories about our work to protect and advance the civil legal rights of low-income Texans.
Stephanie Hume, a 46-year-old single mother of three, faced an uphill battle after her home was heavily damaged during the April/May 2024 storms. She had inherited her father’s home after his passing, but the property records had never been updated to reflect her ownership. While her father’s will was probated, and she was named the sole heir, FEMA denied her […]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 15, 2024 Rebecca Johnson Public Affairs Director, State Bar of Texas (512) 427-1714; rjohnson@texasbar.com Clarissa Ayala Communications Director, Lone Star Legal Aid (832) 627-8404; cayala@lonestarlegal.org Shelby Jean Communications Director, Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas (817) 339-5384; jeans@lanwt.org Samantha Rucobo Public Relations Manager, Texas RioGrande Legal Aid (915) 241-6923; srucobo@trla.org Free legal assistance, toll-free hotline available For […]
President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. has officially declared a major disaster in the State of Texas due to the severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes, and flooding that began on April 26, 2024, and continue to impact our community. Federal assistance is now available to individuals in Harris, Liberty, Montgomery, Polk, San Jacinto, Trinity, and Walker counties. This aid can help […]
Recent weeks have brought devastating storms and severe flooding to East Texas, affecting 88 counties. The impact has been profound, with many schools closed, widespread road closures, and extensive power outages. Residents are in urgent need of temporary shelter and housing assistance. To make matters worse, residents of the Greater Houston area and Southeast Texas endured severe storms on May […]
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, […]
The federal government is now offering aid in Harris County and several other Southeast Texas communities affected by a tornado that ripped across the region on Jan. 24. Survivors can receive help from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) through its Physical Disaster and Economic Injury Disaster loan programs. One member of the applying household must be a U.S. citizen […]
Since shelters were opened for survivors of the Pasadena tornado, the American Red Cross and its partners have served 407 households by providing: -261 overnight stays for more than 100 residents in 3 emergency shelters; -3016 meals and snacks; and -265 relief items including comfort kits and other supplies. The American Red Cross was at the Beamer Place apartment office, […]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 30, 2023 Contact: Lowell Brown | Communications Director, State Bar of Texas | (512) 427-1713 | LBrown@texasbar.com Contact: Clarissa Ayala | Communications Director, Lone Star Legal Aid | (832) 627-8404 | Cayala@lonestarlegal.org Free legal resources are available to low-income individuals affected by the January 24, 2023, tornado and torrential rain in the Southeast Houston, Pasadena, and Deer Park areas. Disaster […]
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 […]
Pasadena, Texas – Lone Star Legal Aid is available to low-income individuals who suffered wind damage and other conditions caused by the powerful cold front that caused tornadoes and torrential rain in the Southeast Houston, Pasadena, and Deer Park areas on Tuesday, January 24, 2023. An EF3 tornado tore through Southeast Houston and the surrounding area earlier this week, causing […]
Disasters can take lives, homes, cars, and personal belongings. Safety comes first when preparing for a disaster. Through the federal resource ready.gov, we have compiled an exhaustive list of disaster preparedness steps you can take today to help ease any potential burdens in the year ahead. Make a Resolution Make an emergency plan: choose a safe place to meet, learn […]
Hurricane season officially ends today, but extreme weather can take many forms. As we head into winter, staying warm and safe can be a challenge. Winter storms can bring cold temperatures, power failures, loss of communication services, and icy roads. To keep yourself and your loved ones safe, you should know how to prepare your home and your car before […]
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, […]
PLEASE NOTE: This website has a Safety Exit feature. By clicking the button in the upper right corner or clicking the Escape key on your keyboard, this website will automatically close and be removed from your search history. Over the past 30+ years, since Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) began, much progress has been made to support survivors of […]
You and your family’s personal safety comes first when preparing for a disaster. Disasters can take lives, homes, cars, as well as all of your personal belongings. Having your personal information and documentation safe is vital to start the recovery process. Taking the time to protect these documents will save you from unnecessary stress following a disaster. You can also […]
Houston, TX – Lone Star Legal Aid is on the front lines of supporting low-income families in East Texas when disaster strikes. Five years ago, Hurricane Harvey devastated our region and left thousands with unstable housing, food insecurity, and uncertainty about their future well-being. Supported by the Bob Woodruff Foundation (BWF), the State of Qatar, and Qatar Harvey Funds, LSLA’s […]
In a recent article for The Texas Tribune, Erin Douglas writes that “Tens of thousands of coastal Texas residents have survived repeated extreme weather events, including Hurricane Harvey. For many, it has taken an emotional toll, and researchers warn that climate change could be ‘catastrophic’ for our mental health.” As the signs of climate change become more apparent in our […]
Launched in 2004, National Preparedness Month (NPM) is FEMA’s national annual preparedness outreach. NPM is managed and sponsored by FEMA’s Ready Campaign. The Ready Campaign, in conjunction with the Ad Council, aims to educate and empower Americans during NPM and throughout the year to prepare for and respond to all types of emergencies, including natural disasters and potential terrorist attacks. […]
June is the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s National Homeownership Month, a time to celebrate the benefits that homeownership brings to families, neighborhoods, and communities across America. To learn more about National Homeownership Month, read the Presidential Proclamation. June is also the beginning of the Gulf Hurricane Season. Lone Star Legal Aid joins National Homeownership Month by sharing resources […]
Extreme heat conditions have been reported all throughout Texas for the past few summers. Make sure you’re prepared to beat the heat with our tips, resources, and explanation of renters’ rights. Tips for Staying Cool According to KHOU, “If the heat index hits at least 108 for two consecutive days, Houston Health Department will open cooling centers.” If you lose […]