News and stories about our work to protect and advance the civil legal rights of low-income Texans.
In observance of Thanksgiving, Lone Star Legal Aid will be closed. All offices will reopen on Monday, November 27, 2023. Texans can still apply for free legal help online at www.lonestarlegal.org.
In a Victory for Clean Air Advocates in Texas, U.S. Court of Appeals Halts Sempra Energy Natural Gas Export Facility FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2023 Media contacts: Tom Pelton, Environmental Integrity Project (443) 510-2574 or tpelton@environmentalintegrity.org John Beard, Port Arthur Community Action Network (409) 626-1179 or john.beard901456@outlook.com Clarissa Ayala, Lone Star Legal Aid (832) 627-8404 or cayala@lonestarlegal.org Port Arthur, […]
In observance of Veterans Day, Lone Star Legal Aid will be closed. All offices will reopen on Monday, November 13, 2023. Texans can still apply for free legal help online at www.lonestarlegal.org.
Organized by the Texas Access to Justice Foundation (TAJF), Texas Veterans Legal Aid Week (TVLAW) highlights the dedicated efforts of legal aid organizations to serve Veterans’ legal needs. As we approach this year’s TVLAW, it is an excellent time to reflect on the critical role legal aid plays in ensuring Veterans receive the support and assistance they deserve. While Veterans’ […]
November is Military Family Month, a time to honor and show appreciation for the resilience and sacrifices of military families who support our service members. These families endure unique challenges, including frequent relocations, long deployments, and the emotional toll of having loved ones in harm’s way. During this month, we recognize their unwavering commitment and strength, as they play a […]
In 2019, the U.S. reported a population of 54.1 million people age 65 or older (the most recent year for which data is available). They represented 16% of the population–more than one in every seven Americans. Older adults consistently experience the most significant percentage of loss during and after natural disasters compared to younger age groups (Fernandez, Byard, Lin, Benson, […]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Wednesday, October 25, 2023 During the 2022-2023 Bar Year, volunteers contributed over 2400 hours of pro bono service, equal to approximately $600,000 of donated legal services. This does not include the hours spent by volunteers assisting with training, mentorship, and other non-case specific assistance. “We want to thank every single Lone Star Legal Aid (LSLA) volunteer who […]
October is National Crime Prevention Month, National Bullying Prevention Month and Cyber Security Awareness Month. These national observances spread awareness about prevention and personal safety among millions of Americans. Lone Star Legal Aid contributes to the safety of families and communities in Texas and Southwest Arkansas. Our Crime Victim Unit represents, educates, and advocates for victims of crime. LSLA also […]
Houston, Texas — Lone Star Legal Aid, a legal aid organization, is proud to announce its historic symposium, “The Origins of Lone Star Legal Aid,” celebrating 75 years of dedicated service in meeting human and legal needs. The symposium will take place on Friday, November 3, 2023, at Thurgood Marshall School of Law from 10 AM to 4 PM. This […]
October is not just a month; it’s a movement. The month marks a significant time of year for survivors of domestic violence. Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) is a way for survivors and advocates to connect across the nation, working to end violence against women, men, and children. This year, on October 19, 2023, DVAM will encourage people and organizations […]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Houston, TX — Lone Star Legal Aid is proud to announce the launch of its groundbreaking initiative, Rise to Recovery, aimed at providing vital legal aid to individuals and families impacted by the opioid crisis. The opioid epidemic has had devastating consequences across our communities, leaving countless individuals facing a range of legal challenges, from child custody […]
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, […]
In observance of Labor Day, Lone Star Legal Aid will be closed. All offices will reopen on Tuesday, September 5th, 2023. Texans can still apply for free legal help online at www.lonestarlegal.org.
In 2020, Congress passed the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA), part of which continued Medicaid benefits for those already enrolled, regardless of any changes in eligibility. That continuous Medicaid coverage ended on March 31, 2023, and the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) began disenrolling recipients in May. HHSC began sending recertification letters to all Medicaid recipients […]
In 2013, Maira and Charlesh wed in Pakistan, aspiring to a brighter future in the United States. Charlesh migrated in 2015, followed by Maira and their child in 2017. They secured employment, obtained green cards, and aimed for U.S. citizenship. After arriving, Charlesh’s demeanor changed, leading to abuse and then a divorce and custody dispute. Charlesh deliberately isolated Maira and […]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Harris County, TX – August 14, 2023 – Lone Star Legal Aid (“LSLA”), a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing free legal services to underserved communities, has achieved a significant victory for tenants by securing the dismissal of over 100 eviction cases at Cabo San Lucas and Redford Apartments in Harris County. In a remarkable demonstration of their […]
It wasn’t until 1990 that the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law to give people with disabilities a chance at equal opportunity. People were living with disabilities that no one had ever heard of before but didn’t have equal access to justice. People were facing segregation, discrimination, and attacks on their basic human rights. Fast forward 25 […]
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 2023 conference is a hybrid event, with in-person presentations and award ceremonies in Austin, Texas. Many Lone Star Legal Aid staff will be in attendance this year. To learn more about […]
In the pursuit of a fresh start, individuals with felony and misdemeanor arrests on their records often rely on the expungement process to clear their past and pave the way for a brighter future. Unfortunately, even after the legal process is complete, records may not appear to be expunged. Such was the case for Brenda, a client who faced obstacles […]
Christina and Gabriel were best friends, husband and wife, and parents to three girls. Gabriel was described as goofy and a good listener – but he had a secret that would destroy their blended family unit. Christina’s middle daughter found Gabriel’s phone recording her taking a shower. She was just 13 at the time. It was clear that he intended […]
