News and stories about our work to protect and advance the civil legal rights of low-income Texans.
April is Texas Giving Month, a time to help Texas charities recover from a turbulent last few years. Nonprofits are also businesses, and individual donations allow us to be innovative, provide high quality services, and sustain our work when other resources are unavailable. Individual donations also allow us to help people and families in ways that funders and program designers […]
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, […]
A whole week in April each year is dedicated to recognizing crime victims, their rights, and their stories. It is an annual campaign that focuses on the victims’ rights movement, federal legislation, court decisions, government actions, and programs working with crime victims. The week-long campaign raises awareness and helps victims rebuild their lives. National Crime Victims’ Rights Week is a […]
Legal aid is a valuable resource for individuals who cannot afford legal representation. Yet there are many misconceptions about legal aid that keep people from asking for help. In this article, we will debunk five common myths about legal aid. MYTH: Legal aid is only available for criminal cases. FACT: While legal aid is often associated with criminal defense, it […]
Guide to Legal Rights Legal rights are the entitlements and protections established by law, and they exist to ensure that individuals are treated fairly and justly in various legal contexts. Understanding legal rights is crucial for anyone who wants to protect themselves and their interests, and this is especially true for low-income individuals who may face additional barriers to accessing […]
UPDATE – To ensure all Medicaid recipients who received renewal packets in April have at least 30 days to respond, as required by federal guidelines, HHSC has extended the deadline to return renewal packets from May 8 to May 15. Attention Medicaid recipients: CONTINUOUS COVID MEDICAID ENDED YOU MUST FILL OUT RECERTIFICATION PACKETS OR YOUR MEDICAID WILL BE CUT OFF. WATCH […]
Domestic violence can have serious consequences for survivors. It is important for anyone experiencing or witnessing domestic violence to seek support. In this article, we will explore the legal and non-legal options available for survivors of domestic violence. Legal Options for Survivors of Domestic Violence Civil legal aid can be a helpful resource for survivors of domestic violence by providing […]
Each April, local communities, fair housing advocates, and fair housing organizations across the country commemorate Fair Housing Month by hosting an array of activities that highlight HUD’s fair housing enforcement efforts, enhance Americans’ awareness of their fair housing rights, and emphasize the importance of ending housing discrimination. Our Fair Housing team focuses on the right to stay in decent and […]
Homestead exemptions remove part of your home’s value from taxation, so they lower your taxes. For example, your home is appraised at $300,000, and you qualify for a $40,000 exemption (this is the amount mandated for school districts). You will pay school taxes on the home as if it was worth only $260,000. Not all homes qualify for a homestead […]
A Word on Food Security In conjunction with providing free legal assistance, Lone Star Legal Aid strives to seek and maintain safety, stability, health, and well-being; and improve outcomes for children. At the intersection of these priorities lives an ongoing battle against food insecurity. Today we would like to spotlight a valuable community resource that provides meal assistance to families […]
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 […]
Bailey met her boyfriend Danny through her friendship with his sister. They dated on and off for several years, often separating due to Danny’s emotional and physical abuse towards Bailey. When Danny was arrested for robbery, Bailey decided that was the final straw, and broke up with him. She had been working hard towards her career as a licensed security […]
The federal government is now offering aid in Harris County and several other Southeast Texas communities affected by a tornado that ripped across the region on Jan. 24. Survivors can receive help from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) through its Physical Disaster and Economic Injury Disaster loan programs. One member of the applying household must be a U.S. citizen […]
Lone Star Legal Aid joined Children at Risk for an educational bus tour generously co-sponsored by Houston Young Lawyers Association and Vinson & Elkins LLP on Tuesday, February 28, 2023 at 2900 Weslayan St. Ste 400, Houston, TX 77027. This tour and discussion aimed to help expose the realities of domestic minor sex trafficking, labor trafficking, and commercial sexual exploitation […]
The Federal Trade Commission’s National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) is March 5-11, 2023. Looking to protect yourself from fraud, identity theft, and scams? Maybe you’re wondering about the best way to use credit, how to shop for a used car, or even how to prevent foreclosure or bankruptcy. NCPW is a time to help people understand their consumer rights. Texas […]
UPDATE 📢 The rental assistance events planned for this Saturday have been cancelled as the Texas Rent Relief program is closing its application portal today, Thursday, March 16th, at 11:59 PM. Again, today is the last day for tenants to apply for rent and utility assistance. Houston, TX – The Texas Rent Relief Program will be accepting new applications. […]
March 1, 2023 For Immediate Release Houston, TX – The Supreme Court of Texas issued an additional Emergency Order, the fourteenth such order related to sealing and making eviction court records confidential. Eviction record sealing is key to improving housing security for millions of individuals and families. Lone Star Legal Aid (LSLA) has been instrumental in getting these cases sealed. […]
Based on current COVID-19 trends, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is planning for the federal Public Health Emergency (PHE) for COVID-19, declared under Section 319 of the Public Health Service (PHS) Act, to expire on May 11, 2023. Earlier this month, there was an announcement ending the additional funding for SNAP recipients due to the PHE ending, […]
World Day of Social Justice is an international day that recognizes the need to promote social justice, which includes efforts to tackle issues such as poverty, exclusion, gender inequality, unemployment, human rights, environmental justice, and social protections. The 2023 theme is Overcoming Barriers and Unleashing Opportunities for Social Justice. This year’s theme focuses on the recommendations of the UN’s Common […]
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 […]
