News and stories about our work to protect and advance the civil legal rights of low-income Texans.
Houston, TX – Tropical Storm Imelda survivors can now apply for disaster unemployment assistance if they either lost their jobs or are self-employed and have not been able to work because of damage from the storm. Individuals affected by Tropical Storm Imelda in Chambers, Harris, Jefferson, Liberty, Montgomery and Orange Counties can apply for benefits online through Unemployment Benefit Services […]
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 […]
Six Texas Counties have received a Presidential Disaster Declaration as of Friday, October 5, 2019, resulting from Tropical Storm Imelda. According to the National Weather Service, Imelda was one of the wettest cyclones in U.S. history, leaving over 800 homes damaged. The counties now eligible for FEMA and SBA assistance are Chambers, Harris, Jefferson, Liberty, Montgomery, and Orange. What can […]
National Domestic Violence Awareness Month first began in 1981 by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence as a Day of Unity to connect battered women’s advocates across the country. Domestic violence affects millions, both women and men, of every race, religion, culture and status. It’s not just punches and black eyes — it’s yelling, humiliation, stalking, manipulation, coercion, threats and […]
After a natural disaster, scammers are eager and adamant to target homeowners with post-disaster damage. In desperate times, it can be easy to fall victim to shady contractors who overpromise and under deliver. Having to avoid shady contractors in the wake of a natural disaster is a common experience for a homeowner. Con artists and fraudsters can be sneaky, but […]
Join Lone Star Legal Aid and CHILDREN AT RISK for an educational bus tour presentation on human trafficking in Houston Tuesday, October 22, 2019, generously sponsored by Locke Lord, LLP. Attorneys will get a first-hand look at both where major trafficking incidents were identified, where this crime may be presently occurring, and will learn to identify the red flags and […]
Bringing over 40 inches of rain to the Upper Texas Coast, many communities are just beginning to assess the damages left behind by Tropical Storm Imelda. Only two years after Hurricane Harvey’s unprecedented rainfall, Imelda submerged some areas left untouched by Harvey, while also striking hard-hit communities that are still struggling to recover from Harvey’s damage. During Hurricane Harvey, a […]
HOUSTON, TX — The State Bar of Texas and Lone Star Legal Aid remind residents that free legal resources are available to low-income individuals affected by severe storms and flooding spawned by Tropical Storm Imelda. Lone Star Legal Aid operates a toll-free disaster legal hotline — 866-659-0666 — that can help with issues such as replacing lost documents, answering insurance […]
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 financial, medical, and identification 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. […]
End Violence Against Women International is collaboratively working with Netflix to promote a new limited series called Unbelievable, which will captivate its viewers by strategically enhancing the reach and impact of the message for survivors of sexual assault. On September 13, 2019, the limited series based on true events will be released, showing the horrific truth of what can go […]
Lone Star Legal Aid is no stranger to disaster recovery. This National Preparedness Month, LSLA focuses on preparation education. While it’s important to prepare the physical structure of your home for the elements, it is also important to make sure that your property is ready legally. When creating your emergency kit, make sure you have a place to safeguard important […]
All Lone Star Legal Aid offices are closed today, Monday, September 2, 2019, in observance of Labor Day. All offices will reopen during normal business hours tomorrow, Tuesday, September 3, 2019.
Lone Star Legal Aid recognizes September as National Preparedness Month. The campaign promotes family and community disaster and emergency planning now and throughout the year. This year’s theme is “Prepared, Not scared.” Homeowners, families, and communities can use this opportunity to find ways or help others understand more about preparing for disasters and reducing risks to health and the environment. […]
When your abusive partner doesn’t understand that what they are saying is wrong or what they are doing is hurtful, it is reasonable to look for tools on how to communicate with them so that they can comprehend the effects of their actions. If you are the survivor of or are currently in an abusive relationship, the National Domestic Abuse […]
When someone is being hurt either by words or actions on purpose, they have become a victim of bullying. Bullies habitually abuse, taunt and deliberately intimidate others. Acts of bullying can be physical or verbal causing victims to feel powerless and are intentional behaviors that are repeated and aggressive. People who bully others are looking to gain a feeling of […]
Right now someone is contributing their time to helping others, playing with animals or caring for the elderly. Take some time to recognize the nonprofit organizations in your community who are dedicated to public benefit. National Nonprofit Day recognizes more than a nonprofit’s altruistic goals, but the positive impacts they have had on their community and the world. Lone Star […]
Houston, TX – Tuesday, August 6, 2019, is National Night Out! NNO is an annual community-building campaign that enhances the relationship between neighbors and law enforcement. There are many events going on nationwide to support the cause and you can find Lone Star Legal Aid participating in the event that will be hosted at the University of Houston Downtown (UHD) […]
Port Arthur, TX – Community group and LSLA client, Port Arthur Community Action Network (PA-CAN), previously announced plans to sue Valero Energy Corporation and its subsidiary, Premcor Refining Group, Inc. (collectively, “Valero”) in federal court for hundreds of violations of the Clean Air Act, totaling over 1.8 million pounds of unauthorized air pollution released by Valero’s Port Arthur refinery since […]
Today, the globe recognizes World Day Against Trafficking. WDAT is an annual event promoting awareness and prevention of the human trafficking crisis as a massive worldwide problem. On average, 30 million victims of human trafficking are sold globally. Victims are made up of 51 percent women, 28 percent children and 21 percent men. Statistics also show that forced labor and […]
Stalking is a series of unwanted, harassing behaviors which is a serious and often violent crime leaving victims feeling on edge. Each year, 7.5 million people are victims of stalking in the United States. There are various ways a person can stalk you. Learn the forms of stalking below. Repeatedly calling you Following you Showing up wherever you are Sending […]