Paris Groves is a disabled veteran relying on VA compensation benefits to make ends meet. Her adult son, who attends school in Chicago, lives with his father. One day, her son abruptly became unresponsive and went missing. After a search, he was found in a catatonic state, unable to speak or move on his own. His condition left his body […]
Gloria Ramirez is a devoted mother to her adult daughter, who was born with a rare chromosomal condition that severely impacts her development. Her daughter has no awareness of her identity, is unable to hear or speak, and requires assistance with walking. As her primary caregiver, Gloria manages every aspect of her daughter’s daily life, including her medical needs. However, […]
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 […]
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. […]
Houston, TX – August 28, 2023 Violet Mae Richardson, through her attorney at Lone Star Legal Aid, is challenging a reverse mortgage lender’s unauthorized foreclosure, aiming to overturn the foreclosure and assert her rights. In 1948, the Pleasantville neighborhood was established to help form a community for marginalized groups dealing with housing discrimination at the time—namely middle income African Americans, […]
Janine, a member of the Sioux Oglala Tribe of South Dakota, was thrilled when she welcomed her baby girl, Lily, into the world. Though neither knew it yet, the first year of Lily’s life would be remembered by her mother for the worst tribulations a parent could endure. Janine quickly fell in love with Lily’s father, Tom. He charmed Janine […]
OneClean Houston Plan This year, the Houston Mayor’s office has released a plan to combat illegal dumping called OneClean Houston Plan. The plan calls for better enforcement, prevention, and education on the consequences of illegal dumping. The OneClean Houston Plan is a combined effort between the Mayor’s office and community members, which include homeowners, community members, the industry, and nonprofits, […]
Civil legal aid helps people access basic necessities, such as health care, housing, government benefits, employment, and educational services. According to Legal Service Corporation’s 2022 Justice Report, nearly three quarters (74%) of low-income households experienced at least one civil legal problem in the previous year. A third (33%) of low-income Americans had at least one problem they attributed to the […]
Updated February 15, 2023 Freeport, TX – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties is evaluating the complaint submitted by Lone Star Legal Aid on behalf of residents living in the East End of Freeport, Texas in November 2017. The administrative complaint alleges violations of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 […]
Mr. Jan was a doctor in his native country, but like many medical professionals who have immigrated to the U.S., he is unable to practice medicine in America due to licensing requirements, despite the fact that he is now a U.S. Citizen. As a result, he works in a hospital as a technician and shares a humble apartment with his […]
Since the early days of the pandemic, childcare has been a prominent issue for both families and the industry. In Texas, 25% of all childcare centers closed in 2020, and millions of families have adjusted to this change through efforts such as homeschooling, private care, and online education. This Tuesday, the Harris County Commissioners Court has voted on a $26.2 […]
Houston, Texas – Lone Star Legal Aid is one of thirty-four organizations to receive a 2022 Bob Woodruff Foundation (BWF) Fall Grant. We are proud to accept this contribution towards our work to provide free civil legal services to Veterans, service members, and their families. The BWF grants support programs that: Increase accessibility to high-quality, evidence-based mental healthcare to […]
Most of Texas is expected to experience a winter freeze from Thursday to Sunday of this week. In addition to taking the necessary precautions for your home, it is important to stay informed on the warming centers nearest to you in case of emergency. You can track the Texas power grid’s conditions in real time to check for power outages. […]
A common question encountered in the world of law is the difference between legal aid and pro bono. The latter is considered a more familiar term among the general public and is often conflated with nonprofit legal aid work. However, there are important differences between these two practices. The term “pro bono” is a Latin term meaning “for the public […]
Jim Bradson is a Navy veteran who relies solely on his Social Security Retirement (SSR) income. During the pandemic, he became indebted to four companies, including the e-commerce company, PayPal. Bradson was already in settlement repayment with the other three companies when he received notice that PayPal sold his debt to a collections company, which then filed a lawsuit. Bradson […]
Jane Smith met her boyfriend Jack in Texas in 2017 through his family, who committed various crimes against her, including assault and stalking. Jack promised he would protect her from his family, so they began dating, marking the beginning of a tumultuous relationship that spanned over four years. No different from the rest of his family, Jack showed himself to […]
Although we try our best, we don’t have enough resources to represent everyone who needs us. One study has shown that we can directly help only 20% of the people who qualify and need our help. If we are unable to take on your case, there is hope. You may be wondering what resources are available to non-clients. Lone Star […]
Medicare is a federal health insurance program available to those 65 years or older and adults with disabilities. Medicare is split into four parts: A – hospital insurance B – physician/outpatient services C – Medicare provided by private insurance companies D – prescription drug coverage If you need help affording Medicare in Texas, you have options. The state offers four […]
On August 24, 2022, the 46th Administration officially announced a final extension to student loan payments and forgiveness for federal student loan debt of up to $20,000. In the month since, more information has been provided to explain who qualifies and how to claim relief. Student loan payments can be deferred until December 31, 2022. Payments will resume in January […]
As a nonprofit legal aid, Lone Star Legal Aid assists the needs of underserved communities. Our goal is not only to represent our clients, but also educate and inform them on the inner workings of the legal system. Those facing legal challenges for the first time may only understand the courtroom as it’s portrayed in the media, film, or television. […]