News and stories about our work to protect and advance the civil legal rights of low-income Texans.
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. […]
In observance of Christmas, Lone Star Legal Aid will be closed. All offices will reopen on Tuesday, December 27, 2022. Texans can still apply for free legal help online at www.lonestarlegal.org.
The Houston Housing Authority board has voted to reopen the waiting list for 10 public housing developments on January 15, 2023. The waiting list closed in August 2018 due to the high volume of applications. Although there is still a backlog of applicants on the waiting list, some developments have shorter waiting lists than others. The waiting lists will open […]
Sandy is a 74 year-old widow in East Texas who struggled to maintain her household after her husband passed away. Although she was with her common law husband for 29 years, and they had children together, they never formally married. “I was never married before him, and I have never even dated anyone else,” said Sandy. Sandy applied for legal […]
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 […]
In honor of Giving Season, we are hosting food drives to support local food banks! Our goal is to increase food stability and raise awareness of our services in all 76 counties we serve. Giving Season takes place between November 1 and December 31. During this time, nonprofit organizations campaign for donations, champion volunteer work, and inspire acts of kindness. […]
In honor of Giving Season, we are hosting food drives to support local food banks! Our goal is to increase food stability and raise awareness of our services in all 76 counties we serve. Giving Season takes place between November 1 and December 31. During this time, nonprofit organizations campaign for donations, champion volunteer work, and inspire acts of kindness. […]
Summer P-EBT (June-August 2022) is for families with children (K-12) who were certified for free or reduced-price meals through the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) during the 2021-2022 school year or during summer 2022. Children born on or after Aug. 1, 2015, who receive SNAP, are eligible for summer P-EBT. It is a one-time benefit of $391 for each eligible […]
Houston, TX – Lone Star Legal Aid joined Houston Area Texas Access to Justice Funded organizations on Friday, December 9, 2022, for a Summit on Access to Justice. Presentations were given on the organizations’ work in housing stability, family safety, and immigration issues. The presenters included leaders from our firm, and Aid to Victims of Domestic Abuse (AVDA), Beacon Law, […]
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 […]
There have been reports of SNAP fraud all over the country. Thieves use a method called “card skimming” to steal SNAP benefits. Thieves do so by placing a device on a store’s card-swiping machine to copy EBT card information. Card skimming can happen to anyone who uses a credit, debit or EBT card, including SNAP participants. HHS will never call or […]
Hurricane season officially ends today, but extreme weather can take many forms. As we head into winter, staying warm and safe can be a challenge. Winter storms can bring cold temperatures, power failures, loss of communication services, and icy roads. To keep yourself and your loved ones safe, you should know how to prepare your home and your car before […]
In honor of Giving Season, we are hosting food drives to support local food banks! Our goal is to increase food stability and raise awareness of our services in all 76 counties we serve. Giving Season takes place between November 1 and December 31. During this time, nonprofit organizations campaign for donations, champion volunteer work, and inspire acts of kindness. […]
Houston, TX – Lone Star Legal Aid is proud to announce that Burger Nation sales will benefit our firm. The event will take place at Clear Lake Burger Nation location (1400 NASA Parkway, Suite F, Houston, TX 77058) on Thursday, December 15, 2022 from 2:30 PM to 6:00 PM. Our goal is 20 RSVPs by Monday, December 12, 2022: Commit […]
Along with the joys of parenthood comes, historically, the balancing act between work and home life responsibilities, whether it’s a household of two parents or one. When the scales are balanced, you should hope all goes smoothly. But when resources are limited, a family emergency can tip the scales. The choice between essentials like food, utilities, healthcare, safety, and shelter […]
In observance of Veterans Day, Lone Star Legal Aid will be closed. All offices will reopen on Monday, November 14, 2022. Texans can still apply for free legal help online at www.lonestarlegal.org.
A lawyer’s job requires them to have a specific skill set that provides benefits beyond the courtroom. Such skilled legal services are often expensive and beyond the reach of many potential clients. When a lawyer provides their services without charge, this is called Pro Bono. Pro Bono volunteer work is especially encouraged for low-income clients and legal aid nonprofits, as […]
Overview Most Affordable Care Act Coverage Plans will stay the same, leading into each new year. However, new rules implemented this past year will affect coverage in 2023, reducing your cost. If you haven’t been able to find a plan, or this is your first-time shopping for an affordable health plan, we will go over what you need to know […]
Texas Veterans Legal Aid Week is an annual celebration of our services to Veterans. Texas has the second-highest population of veterans in the nation. According to the Department of Veterans Affairs’ annual survey of homeless and formerly homeless Veterans, legal issues account for five of the top 10 unmet needs of homeless Veterans. Obtaining access to free legal services can […]
In civil matters, all Texans have the right to represent themselves in court. This is called “Pro Se.” Self-representation may be simpler with certain civil legal issues than others, so it is important to do your research. Some people may choose to represent themselves because they cannot afford to hire an attorney. Lone Star Legal Aid, and other legal aid […]