News and stories about our work to protect and advance the civil legal rights of low-income Texans.
Mr. Hawkins’ family was living in a mobile home on a property under an agreement where they worked on the land in lieu of paying rent. While this work exchange is considered legal in Texas, all agreements with the landlord were verbal. When the landlord passed away in November 2023, their daughter took over the property and demanded rent from […]
Life’s challenges can sometimes become overwhelming, especially for those with disabilities facing financial hardship. At Lone Star Legal Aid, we strive to advocate for individuals who find themselves in difficult circumstances. One such client was Lauren, a determined woman who, after facing a divorce and serious health issues, sought our help in securing her rightful Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. […]
In observance of Thanksgiving, Lone Star Legal Aid will be closed. All offices will reopen on Monday, December 2, 2024. Texans can still apply for free legal help online at www.lonestarlegal.org.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Wednesday, November 20, 2024 Houston, TX — Lone Star Legal Aid’s Environmental Justice (EJ) team, in partnership with community advocates, has successfully paused the proposed development of a low-income housing project on top of a closed landfill in the Alief area. The envisioned housing complex, called Kirkwood Crossing Apartments, has faced growing criticism for planning to […]
Sophia and Ricky were married for five years and had four children together, two of whom were autistic. She has always been a very dedicated mother, supporting her family in the face of intense adversity. She found herself in circumstances she never thought she would be in, and her protective instincts kicked in. Ricky did not express any abusive behaviors […]
Mona Aarons, a 40-year-old married mother of three, faced an uncertain future when she and her family were served with an eviction notice for nonpayment of rent. Living in Houston, Mona and her husband both worked, bringing in a combined income of $4,800 per month, but rising expenses and unexpected challenges left them unable to pay two months’ rent of […]
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 November 19, 2024 Lone Star Legal Aid proudly hosted a series of impactful events and community education presentations last week as part of Texas Veterans Legal Aid Week (TVLAW). Designed to provide critical legal resources to veterans and their dependents, these events addressed common legal challenges faced by those who have served our nation. Throughout the week, […]
After a hurricane struck her home, Sierra received an eviction notice just a week later—a devastating shock. She couldn’t understand why, as she had paid her rent in full. Confused and anxious, she reached out to Lone Star Legal Aid for help. Sierra had qualified for public housing, which provided her with an affordable rent. Securing public housing requires a […]
In observance of Veterans Day, Lone Star Legal Aid will be closed. All offices will reopen on Tuesday, November 12, 2024. Texans can still apply for free legal help online at www.lonestarlegal.org.
For many, caring for animals is a simple act of kindness. For Mr. Goodall, a senior living in a 55+ community, feeding a few stray cats turned into a heated legal battle. The property manager of his senior community insisted that Mr. Goodall pay “pet rent” for the strays he was feeding, even though he was simply working to get […]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE HOUSTON, TEXAS — Northwest Justice Project, in collaboration with Neighborhood Legal Services of Los Angeles County (NLSLA), Lone Star Legal Aid, Pro Bono Net, Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles, Legal Aid of Arkansas, Legal Aid of Northwest Texas, Massachusetts Law Reform Institute, Disability Rights California, California Rural Legal Assistance, Briefly Now, and several other significant contributors, […]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Wednesday, October 23, 2024 During this National Celebrate Pro Bono Week, Lone Star Legal Aid thanks all their volunteers who made a vital contribution to our low-income client community. The theme for 2024 is Making Justice a Reality in Our Communities. We are closer to making this a reality due to our volunteers who contributed not only […]
Cecelia, a 50-year-old Houston woman with a disability, lived with her mother in their family home for several years. Cecelia’s mother had twelve children, some of whom she outlived. When she passed away without a will, Cecelia found herself unable to afford the high property taxes and at risk of foreclosure. Desperate for help, Cecelia contacted Lone Star Legal Aid. […]
For many, caring for animals is a simple act of kindness. For Mr. Goodall, a senior living in a 55+ community, feeding a few stray cats turned into a heated legal battle. The property manager of his senior community insisted that Mr. Goodall pay “pet rent” for the strays he was feeding, even though he was simply working to get […]
Leaving an abusive relationship is challenging in and of itself, but it can feel almost impossible when also facing financial struggles. Irene, a veteran mother in Texas, sought freedom from an abusive relationship, determined to gain control of her life and provide stability for her daughter. When Irene’s husband Derek moved out, she changed the locks to protect her and […]
After facing numerous challenges, a single mother, Maria, moved with her three children into a new home. Less than a week later, their excitement was shattered by an eviction notice. One of Maria’s children is disabled and relies on emotional support animals for their well-being. The landlord claimed these support animals were pets, violating the lease agreement. Losing their home […]
Local groups ask the EPA to take over to require monitoring of emissions to protect public health. HOUSTON—On August 29, 2024, community groups and environmental advocates filed a notice of intent to sue (NOI) the EPA to bring the Valero Houston Refinery’s Title V federal operating permit into compliance with the Clean Air Act. The groups claim the Texas Commission […]
In observance of Labor Day, Lone Star Legal Aid will be closed. All offices will reopen on Tuesday, September 3, 2024. Texans can still apply for free legal help online at www.lonestarlegal.org.
Pat, a grandfather of two boys ages one and three, called Lone Star Legal Aid seeking custody of his grandsons after the boys’ parents, Hannah and Jonathan, were incarcerated following their conviction for causing the death of the boys’ infant sibling. The infant boy was smothered between a mattress and a wall while the parents were under the influence of […]
