Since the early days of the pandemic, federal assistance has been available through official channels for people who are eligible. However, many fraudsters have also taken this opportunity to exploit those in need by setting up COVID phishing campaigns that target users via email, text messages, social media posts, and webpages. A phishing scam is an attempt to trick someone […]
A month before its intended expiry date, the CDC eviction moratorium was suspended by the Supreme Court, leaving tenants vulnerable to homelessness. Over 11 million renters have had trouble paying rent on time during the pandemic as unemployment blanketed the nation. The temporary halt on evictions did not absolve renters from the responsibility of paying the entirety of their owed […]
When Hurricane Harvey struck Texas in 2017, our offices were shut down and employees were urged to evacuate and stay safe. As 60 inches of rainwater swept through streets of Houston, plumes of smoke had engulfed our main office downtown. The flooding had caused an electric explosion within the building, which quickly escalated into a fire. Employees fretfully kept an […]
On Thursday, July 15, Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher hosted a Child Tax Credit roundtable to spread the word and inform local families about the impact of CTC, what to expect, and how to access it if they qualify. Staff attorney Adam Matlock, from our Low Income Taxpayer Clinic, attended as participant and local legal aid representative. Part of the American Rescue […]
In response to the recent developments of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) has issued a new order to extend the eviction moratorium until October 3, 2021. The new order will “temporarily halt evictions in counties with heightened levels of community transmission” to prevent tenants from being evicted and help combat the rise of the Delta variant. […]
Every year, thousands of Texans suffer damage to their homes and livelihoods because of natural disasters, namely hurricanes. There are many ways that you can prepare yourself to minimize the amount of loss sustained from hurricanes passing through the state. Every home should have an ample number of supplies in case of emergency. While gathering supplies, you should keep in […]
The Port Arthur Community Action Network and Lone Star Legal Aid are hosting an event for community members on Saturday, June 26 and would like to invite you and your family to attend! PACAN will be providing gift cards to those who were in any way affected by the February winter storm*** and free indoor air monitors to all attendees. The event […]
With at least 4 million Texans having filed for unemployment since the beginning of the pandemic, there has been a significant increase in eviction cases as well. Tenants and landlords have been awaiting an update on the federal moratorium on evictions. The moratorium has now been extended until July 31, 2021. To get this protection from eviction, tenants must submit […]
All offices will reopen for telephone and online applications on Monday, June 21, 2021. Have a safe and happy weekend!
Funding is available for City of Galveston residents. To participate in the City of Galveston Texas Emergency Rental Assistance Program, applicants must meet the following criteria: Have a direct referral from one of the local non-profit social service agencies Qualify as a family as defined by HUD Must be a legal resident/citizen of the United States Must be a City […]
Funding is available for Harris County residents for rental payments, utility payments, and household internet expenses, where applicable. To participate in the Harris County Emergency Rental Assistance Program, applicants must meet the following criteria: Must be a resident of Harris County A member of the household must have a valid government issued photo ID Must have a financial hardship that […]
Funding is available for Fort Bend County residents for rental payments, utility payments, and household internet expenses, where applicable. To participate in the Fort Bend County Emergency Rental Assistance Program, applicants must meet the following criteria: Must be a resident of Fort Bend County A member of the household must have a valid government issued photo ID Must have a […]
Funding is available for Brazos County residents for rental payments, utility payments, and household internet expenses, where applicable. To participate in the Brazos County Emergency Rental Assistance Program, applicants must meet the following criteria: Must be a resident of Brazos County A member of the household must have a valid government issued photo ID Must have a financial hardship that […]
In observance of Memorial Day, all Lone Star Legal Aid offices will be closed on Monday, May 31, 2021. All offices will reopen on Tuesday, June 1, 2021. Have a safe and joyous holiday!
Since the first Coronavirus appearance in December 2019, the United States has experienced a multitude of obstacles, including the weight of isolation, unemployment, housing and food instability. In addition, the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community has continually been on the receiving end of prejudice and racial discrimination. Why is this happening more than ever before? There is still […]
It has been three months since Winter Storm Uri hit in February and left Texans scrambling for home and vehicle repairs. Although many Texans may have taken care of repairs on their own by now, they may be reimbursed for out of pocket expenses by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). What can FEMA help me with? FEMA provides assistance […]
In September of 2019–two short years after Hurricane Harvey– the Texas Gulf Coast was hit with Tropical Storm Imelda. The storm lasted through the weekend and was dubbed the worst storm in Texas since Harvey, leaving in its wake 5 deaths and innumerable losses. The heavy rainfall shut down most roadways and flooded vehicles, buildings, and homes. Imelda hit hardest […]
Jane Smith is an active-duty soldier, serving as a medic at Fort Hood. She has two younger half-siblings under her care; her brothers initially lived with their mother and stepfather, but the family has had a few encounters with Child Protective Services. The parents were often homeless and unemployed, and when they were both arrested for drug use, the boys […]
In the past few years, Houston has appeared on the list of top 10 most polluted cities in the country, according to the American Lung Association “State of the Air” report. Given the size of the state and its fluctuating air quality, it is important that Texans stay informed about the role they can play in keeping Texas air clean. […]
As the pandemic continues, so do our virtual outreach efforts. We continue to provide informational live series for the community in hopes of encouraging continued engagement and providing valuable resources to a large audience. Lone Star Legal Aid’s Equal Justice Works team and AARP in Houston will be partnering together the first Friday of every month during May, June, July […]