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 $1,250 each. Despite their efforts, including partial payment and seeking rental assistance from Texas Children’s Hospital, their landlord refused to cooperate by not providing the required W-9 form, further complicating the situation.
Mona and her family, including a special-needs child receiving oncology care at Texas Children’s Hospital, had no savings or alternate housing options. Determined to stay in their home, Mona sought help at an eviction outreach event at a Justice of the Peace court, where she connected with Paralegal II Gloria Kea, part of Houston’s Eviction Right to Counsel Initiative at Lone Star Legal Aid.
Gloria quickly assessed Mona’s situation and provided crucial advice to prevent the eviction. She explained how to file an appeal to the County Court at Law if the Justice of the Peace ruled against her, ensuring she had a second chance at a fair trial. Gloria also advised Mona to file a Statement of Inability to Afford Payment of Court Costs (IFP) to waive the appeal bond. She provided a blank form to complete and file by the critical deadline. During the appeal process, Mona was also informed about paying one month’s rent into the court registry, allowing her family to remain in their home while the case was reviewed.
Through Gloria’s guidance and timely intervention, Mona could file her appeal, meet all court deadlines, and buy enough time to secure the necessary funds to pay her rent. Ultimately, the judgment against Mona was released, and she and her family could remain in their home.
By providing legal advice, advocacy, and practical solutions, Lone Star Legal Aid helped Mona and her family avoid displacement, ensuring they could maintain the stability they needed to continue caring for their children, especially their child with special medical needs.
Please note: The client’s name was changed to protect her and her family’s identity.
