News and stories about our work advancing civil legal rights for low-income Texans.
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Dennis, a hardworking landscaper, built his life around providing for his wife and young daughter. But when his health began to decline—high blood pressure, gout, arthritis, chronic pain, and depression—he could no longer keep working. When he applied for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), he was denied and told he was “not disabled.” Unsure where to turn, Dennis reached out […]
When Liza’s daughter and four grandchildren came to live with her in 2024, it was out of deep concern for their safety. Her daughter had left an abusive relationship and was diagnosed with a brain tumor on the left side of her head. According to her doctors, the injury may have been caused by being hit in the head by […]
Maira and her husband, Charlesh, married in Pakistan in 2013 and later built a life in the United States with their two children. At first, things looked promising—they obtained work, secured green cards, and planned for U.S. citizenship. But once in Texas, Charlesh’s behavior turned controlling and abusive. He isolated Maira, cut her off from financial independence, and forced her […]
Michael received a frightening letter from the IRS. It said he owed more than $14,000. “Notice of Intent to Levy and your Collection Due Process Right to a Hearing,” the letter said in large type, next to a caution symbol with an exclamation point. Since Michael and his wife barely make $14,000 a year, the tax bill put them into […]
Paul, a minor diagnosed with a rare form of brain cancer, has relied on Medicaid for years to receive specialized treatment for his eye condition. For five years, UnitedHealthcare, his Managed Care Organization (MCO), covered visits with a neuro-ophthalmologist who understood his complex needs. But without warning, UnitedHealthcare suddenly denied coverage for Paul’s annual visit, claiming his doctor was out-of-network. […]
Mark, a minor living with multiple disabilities and serious health challenges, suddenly lost access to his Medicaid benefits—even after his mother, Laura, submitted all required renewal paperwork. Laura only discovered the denial when she tried to take Mark to the doctor, only to be told his coverage had been cut off. Without Medicaid, Mark’s urgent medical needs went unmet, leaving […]
Morgan, a 20-year-old living with ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Asperger’s Syndrome, depression, and seizures, had relied on Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) since the age of four. For sixteen years, these benefits provided critical support for him and his family. That stability was abruptly threatened when the Social Security Administration (SSA) sent Morgan a letter stating his benefits would be […]
When Claire met Drew at church in Illinois, she thought she had found her perfect match. What began as kindness and generosity soon revealed itself as “love bombing”—a tactic abusers use to lure their partners into toxic, controlling relationships. Within months of their marriage, Drew’s verbal abuse escalated into physical violence, leaving Claire isolated and afraid. Even pregnancy did not […]
Alex has lived with significant medical challenges for most of his life. He suffers from a kidney disorder, insulin-dependent diabetes, a learning disability, and severe depression. He cannot walk without a walker or wheelchair, and requires frequent hospital visits each year. Diagnosed with diabetes at age six, Alex’s health continued to decline into adulthood, and he was later diagnosed with […]
After the 2021 winter freeze, 80-year-old Carolyn Addison Rivera’s life was upended. Like countless Texans, her home suffered damage from frozen pipes. When she turned to a plumber for help, the work performed was substandard and came with an inflated bill. When Carolyn rightfully disputed the charges, the plumber retaliated by slapping a mechanic’s lien on her home. Suddenly, she […]
For five years, Sophia worked tirelessly to care for her four children, two of whom are autistic, while enduring an increasingly abusive marriage to her husband, Ricky. What began as emotional abuse grew into physical violence, neglect, and threats. “He would say things like, ‘It’s my way or the highway. I will punish you,’” Sophia recalled. “My daughter was only […]
For more than 14 years, Carl has called his apartment home. Living with a disability and using a wheelchair, Carl relies on federally subsidized housing to maintain stability and independence. He has consistently paid his rent on time and has long requested accommodations to make his unit more accessible. Despite his efforts, his requests for basic modifications—such as protective strips […]
For years, Mallory endured abuse during her marriage to Nelson, whom she wed in 2007. Behind closed doors, Nelson’s harmful behavior escalated into illegal activity that devastated their family. The trauma became unbearable when Mallory discovered that Nelson had sexually abused their 11-year-old grandchild, whose health deteriorated under the weight of the abuse and stress, even triggering seizures. Determined to […]
When attorney Shalette Mitchell first spoke to George, she wasn’t sure she could help him. George is legally blind. He was facing eviction, but that’s what happens when you don’t pay your rent. George hadn’t paid his rent in four months. According to George, however, there was an issue with the electricity in his apartment. He was withholding his rent […]
Reginald Smith, a proud veteran, and his wife, Fawn, have been raising their daughter’s two children, Broderick and Jayla, for many years. They never thought twice about providing the love and stability their grandchildren needed. But when Broderick and Jayla reached college age, Reginald hit an unexpected barrier: the VA would not allow him to extend his earned education benefits […]
After Fernando received a notice in the mail, he appeared at the courthouse in the next town over. He showed the judge a notice from LVNV, a debt collection company. LVNV’s letter said he owed over $3,000 on a loan he’d taken out from Cross River Bank more than three years ago. But Fernando hadn’t borrowed money from Cross Bank. […]
When Laura’s husband, Ron, strangled her during an assault, she feared for her life and the safety of her children. Ron was arrested and charged with a third-degree felony: assault by impeding breath or circulation. Laura quickly obtained a Protective Order to shield herself, her two sons, and her sister—but she also knew she needed to take the next step […]
After the 2021 winter freeze, 80-year-old Carolyn Addison Rivera’s life was upended. Like countless Texans, her home suffered damage from frozen pipes. When she turned to a plumber for help, the work performed was substandard and came with an inflated bill. When Carolyn rightfully disputed the charges, the plumber retaliated by slapping a mechanic’s lien on her home. Suddenly, she […]
Mr. Wilkins wanted to help his friend. She needed a car, so he co-signed on the loan. The 67-year-old disabled veteran didn’t realize he’d agreed to pay the car note if his friend defaulted. A few months passed and they lost touch. Twelve years later, something happened with the car and Mr. Wilkins had to appear in court. By the […]
For most of his adult life, Mr. Roberts lived with both mental and visual impairments. His challenges grew even more severe after he survived a violent crime in which he was shot in the head, face, and arm. The bullets fragmented so extensively that pieces still remain lodged in his head and face. These injuries, combined with his existing impairments, […]