News and stories about our work to protect and advance the civil legal rights of low-income Texans.
The Houston metro area is home to the nation’s second-largest veteran population and Texas’ largest. Our Military & Veterans Unit (MVU) provides free civil legal services to low-income United States military veterans, their dependents, and surviving spouses throughout Texas. We can help with: Veteran benefits; Bankruptcy, Expunctions & Non-Disclosures of misdemeanor and felony cases; Custody & Child Support; Consumer Issues, […]
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 […]
Houston, TX – Lone Star Legal Aid is on the front lines of supporting low-income families in East Texas when disaster strikes. Five years ago, Hurricane Harvey devastated our region and left thousands with unstable housing, food insecurity, and uncertainty about their future well-being. Supported by the Bob Woodruff Foundation (BWF), the State of Qatar, and Qatar Harvey Funds, LSLA’s […]
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. […]
In a recent article for The Texas Tribune, Erin Douglas writes that “Tens of thousands of coastal Texas residents have survived repeated extreme weather events, including Hurricane Harvey. For many, it has taken an emotional toll, and researchers warn that climate change could be ‘catastrophic’ for our mental health.” As the signs of climate change become more apparent in our […]
Launched in 2004, National Preparedness Month (NPM) is FEMA’s national annual preparedness outreach. NPM is managed and sponsored by FEMA’s Ready Campaign. The Ready Campaign, in conjunction with the Ad Council, aims to educate and empower Americans during NPM and throughout the year to prepare for and respond to all types of emergencies, including natural disasters and potential terrorist attacks. […]
English National Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated annually from September 15 to October 15 in the United States to recognize the contributions and influence of Hispanic Americans to the history, culture, and achievements of the United States. The theme for 2022 is “Unidos: Inclusivity for a Stronger Nation.” This year, Lone Star Legal Aid stands united with Texas Latinx and […]
Even if you earn more than 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, we may still help you if you qualify under one of our special projects. If you need free civil legal assistance, please fill out our online application or call 1-800-733-8394. While we cannot give free legal advice without agreeing to represent you as a client, we constantly share […]
In observance of Labor Day, Lone Star Legal Aid will be closed. All offices will reopen on Tuesday, September 6, 2022. Texans can still apply for free legal help online at www.lonestarlegal.org.
Houston, TX – Last week, Adorable Pointe Apartments, owned by Grace Business Ventures, LLC, an affiliate of Grace International Church, forced a tenant to vacate an apartment for no reason – she had paid in full. Grace International Church has congregations in Houston, and in the Bronx, NYC. Lone Star Legal Aid’s Eviction Right to Counsel Attorneys met Samayah Winston […]
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 2022 conference was hybrid, with in-person presentations and award ceremonies in Austin, Texas. Many Lone Star Legal Aid staff were in attendance this year. Presentations by Lone Star Legal Aid Wednesday, […]
The first set of poverty guidelines were developed in the 1960’s to define poverty on a sliding scale that would take family size and cost of living into consideration each year. The U.S. Federal Poverty Guidelines determine eligibility for all forms of public benefits and assistance. All clients of Lone Star Legal Aid must meet financial and legal status eligibility […]
The County Indigent Health Care Program helps low-income Texas residents who don’t qualify for other state or federal health care programs have access to health care services. An indigent patient is a patient whose health insurance coverage, if any, does not provide full coverage for all their medical expenses and that their medical expenses, in relationship to their income. Benefits […]
Lone Star Legal Aid, in partnership with Texas Legal Services Center, is happy to announce the launch of its Eviction Text Messaging Program. The program helps to guide our clients through the JP Court Eviction Appeal process with text messaging support. This guided support will provide text message reminders of deadlines, links to helpful information at appropriate times, and answer […]
Our financial assistance and public benefits advocates help low-income families access nutritional, financial, and income-support benefits. We can help with Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the program formerly known as Food Stamps Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Social Security County Indigent Healthcare Unemployment Insurance Medicare/Medicaid Discrimination in government programs for race, national origin, sex, pregnancy, […]
People with disabilities face widespread discrimination, segregation, and exclusion. But federal disability rights laws can provide protection. Disability discrimination in the workplace Employment discrimination is when an employer treats an application or employee less favorably due to a person’s race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, nationality, disability, or status as a protected veteran. Disability victimization is the most […]
Workplace violence (WPV) is any act or threat of violence, harassment, intimidation, or disruptive behavior that occurs in a workplace. Hospitals and health systems have vigorous protocols to detect violence against their staff. Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the health care field has seen an increase in workplace violence and studies show rates will not be receding anytime […]
Port Arthur, TX – Lone Star Legal Aid is proud to announce that sales at the Port Arthur Chipotle Mexican Grill location (2780 Highway 365, Port Arthur, TX 77460) on Friday, October 15, 2022 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM will benefit our firm. Ways to support this fundraiser 33% of fundraiser sales will benefit LSLA. Order online for pickup […]
Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas (LANWT), Texas RioGrande Legal Aid (TRLA), and Lone Star Legal Aid (LSLA) are legal aid organizations funded by Legal Services Corporation (LSC) to assist low-income Texans with their civil legal needs. LSLA has 14 offices in 76 counties with staff attorneys and pro bono volunteers ready to help take on your case. See below for […]
Houston, TX – Lone Star Legal Aid is proud to announce that pizza sales at the Sawyer Heights MOD Pizza location (1911 Taylor St, Ste. A, Houston, TX 77007) on Sunday, September 11, 2022, will benefit our Military & Veterans Unit. Ways to support this fundraiser Receive 20% off all digital and in-store fundraiser sales on September 11, 2022 by: […]