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Apply for Utility Bill Help in Harris, Brazoria, and Galveston Counties — New Application Window Opens March 9

If you or someone you know needs help paying electricity, gas, or propane bills, BakerRipley’s Utility Assistance Program is opening a new application window on Monday, March 9. This vital support is funded through the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs and serves households in Harris, Brazoria, and Galveston Counties. The online portal will accept an additional 4,000 applications […]

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Lone Star Legal Aid Helps Mother Protect Three Children from Sexual Assault

When Mariah married her military husband, Sean, she helped raise two children with him, as well as his young son from a previous relationship. That child, now a teenager, recently came out as transgender and asked to be called Calvin. Mariah was committed to supporting Calvin through his transition, but their lives were shattered when Calvin confided that Sean had […]

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Building Smarter Access to Justice: An Update on Lone Star Legal Aid’s AI-Powered Chatbot Project

Lone Star Legal Aid is proud to share an update on our Legal Services Corporation Technology Initiative Grant (TIG) project, which supports the development of three AI-powered chatbots designed to strengthen access to justice and improve how legal aid information is delivered and managed. Through this grant, our team is building: Navi, a public-facing chatbot designed to help individuals understand […]

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Community Justice Worker Program

Too many Texans face serious legal problems without a lawyer by their side. Disability Rights Texas is partnering with Lone Star Legal Aid, Legal Aid of Northwest Texas, Texas RioGrande Legal Aid, and Texas Legal Services Center to invite community-based organizations across the state to join the Community Justice Workers of Texas (CJW) Program — a statewide initiative designed to […]

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Lone Star Legal Aid Protects Survivor of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault

Bailey met her boyfriend, Danny, through his sister. Their relationship was turbulent from the beginning, marked by emotional and physical abuse. After Danny was arrested for robbery, Bailey decided to end things for good, determined to focus on her career as a licensed security officer. But when Danny was released from jail more than a year later, he reached out […]

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Funds Approved to Help Houston Homeowners Recover from Winter Storm Uri

Houston City Council has approved $33 million to help Houston residents repair or rebuild homes damaged during the 2021 Winter Storm Uri. Through the Single Family Home Repair Program, eligible homeowners may receive: • Up to $10,000 for reimbursement of out-of-pocket storm repairs• Up to $100,000 for home rehabilitation• Up to $300,000 for full home reconstruction These funds will support critical repairs so families can safely remain […]

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Lone Star Legal Aid Helps 15-Year-Old Get Braces with Health Coverage Through Managed Care Organization 

When Sarah, age 15, was told by her dentist that she needed braces, her family assumed their health coverage through a Managed Care Organization (MCO) would help. But instead, Sarah’s orthodontic claims were denied again and again, with the MCO insisting the treatment was not “medically necessary.”  Unsure how to fight the repeated denials, Sarah’s mother, Kathy, turned to Lone Star […]

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Lone Star Legal Aid Named Beneficiary of Law Rocks Houston 2026

Band Little Victories to Compete on Behalf of Legal Aid at White Oak Music Hall Houston, TX — Lone Star Legal Aid is proud to announce that it has been selected as a beneficiary nonprofit of Law Rocks Houston, the city’s annual battle-of-the-bands fundraiser featuring musicians from Houston’s legal community. The event will take place on Thursday, March 26, 2026, […]

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Lone Star Legal Aid’s Maritza Menjivar Helps Woman Attain Guardianship of her Autistic Brother

When Janet’s younger brother needed an immediate life-flight to a hospital from the facility where he lived, Janet realized something was wrong. Tommy is in his late 40s, just a few years younger than Janet.  He is severely autistic. He’s non-verbal, but he can understand what people say.  After his group home changed ownership, his behavior shifted. He began harming […]

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Lone Star Legal Aid Announces Consolidation of Three Offices Amid Funding Changes

Houston, TX — Lone Star Legal Aid (LSLA) has closed its Conroe, Galveston, and Richmond offices as part of a strategic consolidation in response to several one-time grants coming to an end and reductions in federal funding for 2026. Despite these office closures, LSLA remains fully committed to serving residents in the affected counties. Clients will continue to receive free […]

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Lone Star Legal Aid Helps Disabled Husband and Father Obtain Social Security Disability Insurance

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 […]

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Lone Star Legal Aid Assists Caring Grandmother With Conservatorship

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 […]

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Lone Star Legal Aid’s Cheranda Robertson Helps Mother Pursue Financial Justice and Child Custody Amidst Abuse

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 […]

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Lone Star Legal Aid’s Karyna Lopez Helps Young Father Manage an Old, Fraudulent IRS Claim

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 […]

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Lone Star Legal Aid’s Elizabeth Green Reverses Medicaid Denial for Young Client with Rare Brain Cancer

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.  […]

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Lone Star Legal Aid Fights for Child with Disabilities Wrongfully Denied Medicaid Benefits

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 […]

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January is National Slavery & Human Trafficking Awareness and Prevention Month 2026

Stronger Connections. Stronger Futures. Every January, the United States observes National Slavery and Human Trafficking Awareness and Prevention Month, a designated time to educate the public about modern-day slavery and human trafficking and to reaffirm our collective commitment to protect survivors and prevent exploitation.  What Is Human Trafficking? Human trafficking is a form of modern slavery in which individuals are […]

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Lone Star Legal Aid Helps Young Man Reinstate Disability Benefits After Sudden Termination

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 […]

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Lone Star Legal Aid’s Cheranda Robertson Secures Safety and Justice for Survivor of Domestic Violence

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 […]

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Lone Star Legal Aid Helps Client Restore Critical SSI Benefits After Wrongful Termination

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 […]

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