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Our elderly population routinely faces several forms of abuse, like neglect and financial exploitation. Consistently educating the public through advocacy and action will provide awareness and prevention of elder abuse. June is Elder Abuse Awareness Month, and today, June 15, is Elder Abuse Awareness Day! While physical abuse, neglect and abandonment are frequently used forms of elder abuse, financial exploitation […]

PTSD Awareness Overview National Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Awareness Month is celebrated annually in June, and the awareness day is June 27, 2023. It aims to raise awareness of the disorder itself, which is a mental health issue that can develop after a person has endured a traumatic event, such as war, sexual assault, or a natural disaster. A person […]

Meet Dennis, a devoted husband and father, whose life took an unexpected turn when he applied for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and was shockingly denied. Despite battling high blood pressure, gout, arthritis in multiple areas of his body, and lingering depression, Dennis was told he was “not disabled.” Faced with the daunting reality of being unable to work due […]

Lone Star Legal Aid joins the National PRIDE celebration throughout the month of June. LSLA recognizes the importance of connecting to our client populations in a respectful, culturally competent manner. With recent expansions in LGBTQIA+ legal rights and protections, it is important that members of the community are offered direct legal assistance and opportunities to learn about their rights through […]

Navigating the legal landscape can be daunting, especially when faced with complex terminologies. To empower individuals with a better understanding of civil law, we aim to define and explain some common legal terms encountered in civil proceedings. By familiarizing ourselves with these terms, we can communicate effectively, make informed decisions, and navigate legal matters with confidence. In this guide, we’ll […]

Beware of notario fraud! It’s important to understand the risks involved to protect yourself and your loved ones. Notarios are not lawyers, even though their title might sound similar. They cannot provide legal advice or represent you in immigration matters.  Some people pretend to be notarios to take advantage of vulnerable individuals seeking help with their immigration cases. They may […]

What is Title IX? Title IX is a federal civil rights law in the United States that prohibits discrimination based on sex in any educational institution that receives federal funding. Title IX protects individuals from gender-based discrimination in education, including sexual harassment, sexual violence, and sexual assault. Title IX requires educational institutions to address reports of sexual violence and support […]

HOUSTON, TX – Lone Star Legal Aid, alongside dozens of other volunteers and local nonprofit organizations, were recipients of volunteer appreciation awards Friday morning at City Hall. We were presented with the Mayor’s Community Engagement Award. We received the award because of our involvement with the City of Houston Department of Neighborhoods (DON) and Neighborhood Recovery Community Development Corporation’s (NRCDC) […]

Every May, the Administration for Community Living (ACL) leads the nation’s annual celebration of Older Americans Month (OAM). The theme for 2023 is “Aging Unbound,” which aims to discuss the diversity among aging populations, and discredit stereotypes. For many people, becoming an older adult brings newfound freedom and benefits: grown children, impending retirement, exploring new interests, travel, and more time […]

The Intercontinental Terminals Company (ITC) is seeking a renewal of a Federal Operating Permit (FOP) from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) for the Deer Park Terminal, where a hazardous chemical fire occurred in 2019. To discuss the permit application, a Public Hearing will be held on May 4th at 7 PM at the Gaines Mason Auditorium, also known […]

Not all legal problems are solved in the courtroom. Lawyers can help you with legal advice only or brief service. This is like an interview where you talk to the lawyer about your problem, and they give you advice. This can help you decide what to do next about your legal problem. In some cases, they may provide a brief […]

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 […]

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 […]