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 […]
When a lease ends, many tenants expect their security deposit to come back in full. When renters move out, one of the biggest worries is whether they’ll get their security deposit back. Too often, landlords keep part—or even all—of a deposit for reasons that don’t seem fair. For Texas tenants, it helps to know what the law says and what […]
When Ms. Thompson moved into her new apartment in Conroe under the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program, she believed she had finally found a safe, stable home. Her rent portion had been estimated and approved by the Montgomery County Housing Authority (MCHA), and she paid what she was told was her share. But just weeks later, without warning, her […]
Gerard Smith, a disabled Air Force veteran and devoted single father, had done everything he could to keep his children safe and housed. After falling on hard times, he began renting an Airbnb as a temporary place to stay; since they were renting long-term without any complaints, the landlord offered Gerard’s family a six-month lease. After signing, Gerard found that […]
Chris Johnson was raising two children with his wife, Leah, when he found out she was having an affair with someone else. Though Chris was only the biological father of one of the children, he wanted to shield both of his kids from their mother’s intentional neglect. When Leah decided to move to Indiana with her new partner, she willingly […]
Lisa James worked at her job for nearly five years before feeling forced to resign due to a hostile work environment. Despite regularly working more than 40 hours per week, she was denied the overtime pay she was legally owed, and her employer claimed that she quit voluntarily. After being denied unemployment benefits by the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC), Ms. […]
Ms. Rayo came to Lone Star Legal Aid following the death of her husband, facing a complex web of legal and financial uncertainty. Her husband had been the sole owner of their home and the only person listed on the mortgage and utility accounts. As an elderly, Spanish-speaking widow, she was navigating grief, paperwork, and the risk of losing access […]
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 […]
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 […]
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, […]
Mr. Hawkins’ family was living in a mobile home on a property under an agreement where they worked on the land in lieu of paying rent. While this work exchange is considered legal in Texas, all agreements with the landlord were verbal. When the landlord passed away in November 2023, their daughter took over the property and demanded rent from […]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Houston, TX – On July 9, 2024, President Biden declared a federal emergency and disaster declaration for Hurricane Beryl. The Category 1 hurricane caused a significant impact across Texas from July 5th to 9th, leaving millions without power. There were at least 10 deaths, multiple casualties, and serious damage in the wake of the natural disaster. […]
Houston, TX – August 28, 2023 Violet Mae Richardson, through her attorney at Lone Star Legal Aid, is challenging a reverse mortgage lender’s unauthorized foreclosure, aiming to overturn the foreclosure and assert her rights. In 1948, the Pleasantville neighborhood was established to help form a community for marginalized groups dealing with housing discrimination at the time—namely middle income African Americans, […]
Janine, a member of the Sioux Oglala Tribe of South Dakota, was thrilled when she welcomed her baby girl, Lily, into the world. Though neither knew it yet, the first year of Lily’s life would be remembered by her mother for the worst tribulations a parent could endure. Janine quickly fell in love with Lily’s father, Tom. He charmed Janine […]
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, […]
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 […]
Updated February 15, 2023 Freeport, TX – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties is evaluating the complaint submitted by Lone Star Legal Aid on behalf of residents living in the East End of Freeport, Texas in November 2017. The administrative complaint alleges violations of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 […]
Mr. Jan was a doctor in his native country, but like many medical professionals who have immigrated to the U.S., he is unable to practice medicine in America due to licensing requirements, despite the fact that he is now a U.S. Citizen. As a result, he works in a hospital as a technician and shares a humble apartment with his […]
Since the early days of the pandemic, childcare has been a prominent issue for both families and the industry. In Texas, 25% of all childcare centers closed in 2020, and millions of families have adjusted to this change through efforts such as homeschooling, private care, and online education. This Tuesday, the Harris County Commissioners Court has voted on a $26.2 […]
