News and stories about our work to protect and advance the civil legal rights of low-income Texans.
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 […]
The Poverty Law Conference is hosted annually by the State Bar of Texas to educate poverty law attorneys about the legal issues that affect low-income Texans. This year, the 2024 conference is hybrid, with in-person presentations and award ceremonies in Austin, Texas. Many Lone Star Legal Aid staff will be in attendance this year. Presentations that include Lone Star Legal […]
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Houston, TX – On July 9, 2024, President Biden declared a federal emergency and disaster declaration for Hurricane Beryl. The Category 1 hurricane caused a significant impact across Texas from July 5th to 9th, leaving millions without power. There were at least 10 deaths, multiple casualties, and serious damage in the wake of the natural disaster. […]
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 […]
Uber and Lyft take your safety very seriously and work in collaboration with law enforcement to make sure every rider feels safe and every driver follows procedure. From the time you are picked up to the time you are dropped off at your destination, your experience should not make you feel uncomfortable in any way. There are safety tips all […]
In observance of Independence Day, Lone Star Legal Aid will be closed. All offices will reopen on Monday, July 8, 2024. Texans can still apply for free legal help online at www.lonestarlegal.org.
Alex suffers from a kidney disorder, insulin-dependent diabetes, a learning disability, and severe depression. Alex also cannot walk without a walker or wheelchair. He was diagnosed with diabetes at age six but wasn’t diagnosed with depression until 18. His condition has been worsening over time, causing fluid in his legs and requiring one to three hospital visits year on average. […]
In observance of Juneteenth, Lone Star Legal Aid will be closed. All offices will reopen on Thursday, June 20, 2024. Texans can still apply for free legal help online at www.lonestarlegal.org.