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For many low-income families, the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program is a crucial lifeline that provides access to affordable housing. The program allows families to rent private homes while receiving financial assistance to cover a portion of their rent. However, the process of obtaining and maintaining a voucher can be difficult to navigate, especially for those who experience challenges […]

After serving in Iraq helping rebuild schools, medical clinics, and places of worship, Ms. Schexnayder came home to a different kind of battle—this time with her health and the Social Security system. She stopped working in 2022 after being diagnosed with breast cancer. Even before the diagnosis, she had been dealing with serious health problems that made working difficult. The […]

When you’re living on a fixed income, every dollar matters. Ms. T, 57, resides with her husband in their quiet home as empty nesters. With both relying on limited Supplemental Security Income (SSI), any unexpected deductions or changes in benefits can create significant financial strain. After her husband was awarded SSI, Ms. T came to Lone Star Legal Aid with […]

Lone Star Legal Aid continues to make steady progress on our AI chatbot project, supported by the Legal Services Corporation’s Technology Initiative Grant. Our team is focused on building a smarter, more responsive system that empowers clients to navigate legal issues, starting with housing and family law, more easily and effectively. During our most recent project meeting, team members Ashley […]

Lone Star Legal Aid will be closed on Friday, April 18. All offices will reopen on Monday, April 21. Texans can still apply for free legal help online at www.lonestarlegal.org.

For many families, Social Security benefits are a vital source of support. When those benefits disappear unexpectedly, it can truly shake their world. This was the reality for our client, Ms B, a dedicated 45-year-old mother of two, who faced an overwhelming situation when her disabled son’s Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits were suddenly stopped. Even though she had tried […]

When Landlords Won’t Accept Rent Renters are legally obligated to pay rent. But what happens when a tenant tries to pay—and the landlord refuses to accept it? Unfortunately, that’s what happened to Mr. Kenneth Murray, a 66-year-old veteran, whose story highlights a disturbing housing trend that can leave vulnerable tenants at risk of losing their homes. Mr. Murray is a […]

Houston, TX (April 9, 2025) — Lone Star Legal Aid is honored to accept the prestigious ECI Marcia Johnson Change Agent Award on Thursday, April 10, 2025 on behalf of the Eviction Defense Coalition (EDC) for its groundbreaking work protecting housing rights and preventing evictions for Houstonians. The award will be presented by the Earl Carl Institute for Legal and […]

HOUSTON, TX – Lone Star Legal Aid (LSLA) is proud to participate in East Texas Giving Day on April 29, 2025, an 18-hour online fundraising event that unites the region in support of local nonprofits. Organized by East Texas Communities Foundation (ETCF), this annual initiative provides an opportunity for individuals to make a lasting impact on their community by donating […]

Seven years ago, an East Texas county attempted to foreclose on a home over unpaid property taxes. This property was given to Elena by her husband before he passed away. Elena’s home was eligible for property tax exemptions, but due to a mistake, taxes accumulated throughout the years and were not paid. The other defendants in the case were relatives […]

Mallory and Nelson exchanged their vows in 2007 and were married until 2023. During their marriage, Nelson exhibited abusive behavior and engaged in illegal activities. Tragically, their 11-year-old grandson experienced severe trauma due to Nelson’s actions, which contributed to serious health issues, including seizures. Mallory didn’t think twice. She needed an escape, and this was it.   Mallory contacted Lone […]

Our client, Autumn, is a minor who never received notice if her Children’s Medicaid was renewed for the new year. Her mother renewed her benefits along with her other young daughters. One daughter received renewal, while Autumn did not receive a response. Texas Health and Human Services (HHSC) told Autumn’s mother that her case would be escalated, but they never […]

Paris Groves is a disabled veteran relying on VA compensation benefits to make ends meet. Her adult son, who attends school in Chicago, lives with his father. One day, her son abruptly became unresponsive and went missing. After a search, he was found in a catatonic state, unable to speak or move on his own. His condition left his body […]

In 2010-2011, Danay Jones was battling alcoholism and depression, challenges that ultimately led to an event that changed the course of her life. Facing three felony charges, she found herself trapped in a legal system that often leaves individuals with few options for redemption. Fortunately, her defense attorney, Melissa Morris, was able to get two of her charges dismissed. However, […]

At Lone Star Legal Aid, we are always looking for innovative ways to improve efficiency and enhance access to legal services. Our AI chatbot initiative is one such effort, and we’ve made significant progress over the past month. LSLAsks: Streamlining Administrative Processes On February 12, we met with our accounting department to discuss LSLAsks, our internal chatbot designed to streamline […]

At 70 years old, our client, Martha, faced an unimaginable ordeal. She was violently assaulted by a relative. Despite her fears of retaliation, she courageously reported the crime and sought legal protection. With the help of Lone Star Legal Aid, she was able to obtain a protective order, ensuring her safety and well-being.  Brandy Howard, the staff attorney who represented […]

After a serious surgery in 2019, Donald qualified for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). But then, five years later, in January 2024, Donald received a letter saying he no longer qualified for SSDI. He called Lone Star Legal Aid for help. SSDI is a payroll tax-funded federal insurance program of the United States federal government.  Managed by the Social Security […]

Mr. Soublet, a 60-year-old man who has survived several natural disasters, was struggling to make ends meet. His only income came from Social Security benefits, which were being reduced to pay off old debts to the Small Business Administration (SBA) and Social Security Administration. Because of this, he did not have enough money to pay his rent and faced eviction […]

Gloria Ramirez is a devoted mother to her adult daughter, who was born with a rare chromosomal condition that severely impacts her development. Her daughter has no awareness of her identity, is unable to hear or speak, and requires assistance with walking. As her primary caregiver, Gloria manages every aspect of her daughter’s daily life, including her medical needs. However, […]

Estate planning is more than just drafting a will—it’s about ensuring that a person’s wishes are carried out efficiently and legally after they pass. Without proper planning, an estate often has to go through probate, a court process that can be time-consuming and costly. By setting up the right legal documents, individuals can avoid probate and ensure their assets go […]