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October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month 2022: The Power of the Purple Ribbon

Annually in October, Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) is recognized to raise awareness of how organizations can come together to educate our communities and collectively advocate to end domestic violence. Each year, Lone Star Legal Aid (LSLA) takes the time to reflect on where we have been in advocating for domestic violence and representing victims, and where we are going […]

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October is Cyber Security Awareness Month

Every October, the National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC) asks us to renew or join the commitment to help “Take A Bite Out Of Crime®.” In 1984, October was designated as Crime Prevention Month through a Presidential proclamation and since then, NCPC has been working with local law enforcement, government agencies, civic groups, schools and businesses, and other organizations to help […]

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Disaster Preparedness: Getting Your Paperwork in Order

You and your family’s personal safety comes first when preparing for a disaster. Disasters can take lives, homes, cars, as well as all of your personal belongings. Having your personal information and documentation safe is vital to start the recovery process. Taking the time to protect these documents will save you from unnecessary stress following a disaster. You can also […]

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What kinds of issues can legal aid help me with?

Lone Star Legal Aid is one of three legal aid providers in Texas, helping low-income Texans face civil legal issues that create additional barriers to their well-being. We have many units dedicated to different client issues. Here is an exhaustive list of the free services we offer to clients who qualify.   If you have been affected by unfair selling […]

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Student Loan Forgiveness Scams

With the approval of the student loan forgiveness plan, over 8 million borrowers qualify for debt relief. However, the details on how to qualify or apply for relief may be difficult to keep track of, making many parties vulnerable to scams disguised as “assistance.”   You do not need to do anything or pay anyone upfront to apply for the new […]

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Lone Star Legal Aid’s Military and Veterans Unit: Meet the Team

The Houston metro area is home to the nation’s second-largest veteran population and Texas’ largest. Our Military & Veterans Unit (MVU) provides free civil legal services to low-income United States military veterans, their dependents, and surviving spouses throughout Texas.  We can help with: Veteran benefits; Bankruptcy, Expunctions & Non-Disclosures of misdemeanor and felony cases; Custody & Child Support; Consumer Issues, […]

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The 411 on Student Loan Forgiveness

On August 24, 2022, the 46th Administration officially announced a final extension to student loan payments and forgiveness for federal student loan debt of up to $20,000. In the month since, more information has been provided to explain who qualifies and how to claim relief.   Student loan payments can be deferred until December 31, 2022. Payments will resume in January […]

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5 Years Later – Lone Star Legal Aid Celebrates the Impact of Qatar Harvey Funds

Houston, TX – Lone Star Legal Aid is on the front lines of supporting low-income families in East Texas when disaster strikes. Five years ago, Hurricane Harvey devastated our region and left thousands with unstable housing, food insecurity, and uncertainty about their future well-being. Supported by the Bob Woodruff Foundation (BWF), the State of Qatar, and Qatar Harvey Funds, LSLA’s […]

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What is the difference between criminal and civil law?

As a nonprofit legal aid, Lone Star Legal Aid assists the needs of underserved communities. Our goal is not only to represent our clients, but also educate and inform them on the inner workings of the legal system. Those facing legal challenges for the first time may only understand the courtroom as it’s portrayed in the media, film, or television. […]

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September is National Preparedness Month – Don’t Wait, Communicate 2022

Launched in 2004, National Preparedness Month (NPM) is FEMA’s national annual preparedness outreach. NPM is managed and sponsored by FEMA’s Ready Campaign. The Ready Campaign, in conjunction with the Ad Council, aims to educate and empower Americans during NPM and throughout the year to prepare for and respond to all types of emergencies, including natural disasters and potential terrorist attacks. […]

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Explanation of Language Access Rights

English National Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated annually from September 15 to October 15 in the United States to recognize the contributions and influence of Hispanic Americans to the history, culture, and achievements of the United States. The theme for 2022 is “Unidos: Inclusivity for a Stronger Nation.” This year, Lone Star Legal Aid stands united with Texas Latinx and […]

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What if I don’t qualify for legal aid?

Even if you earn more than 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, we may still help you if you qualify under one of our special projects. If you need free civil legal assistance, please fill out our online application or call 1-800-733-8394. While we cannot give free legal advice without agreeing to represent you as a client, we constantly share […]

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Full-Time Substitute Teacher Loses Home, Even After Paying Her Rent in Full

Houston, TX – Last week, Adorable Pointe Apartments, owned by Grace Business Ventures, LLC, an affiliate of Grace International Church, forced a tenant to vacate an apartment for no reason – she had paid in full. Grace International Church has congregations in Houston, and in the Bronx, NYC. Lone Star Legal Aid’s Eviction Right to Counsel Attorneys met Samayah Winston […]

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Lone Star Legal Aid Attends State Bar of Texas’ Poverty Law Conference

The Poverty Law Conference is hosted annually by the State Bar of Texas to educate poverty law attorneys about the legal issues that affect low-income Texans. This year, the 2022 conference was hybrid, with in-person presentations and award ceremonies in Austin, Texas. Many Lone Star Legal Aid staff were in attendance this year. Presentations by Lone Star Legal Aid Wednesday, […]

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News

What are the U.S. Federal Poverty Guidelines?

The first set of poverty guidelines were developed in the 1960’s to define poverty on a sliding scale that would take family size and cost of living into consideration each year. The U.S. Federal Poverty Guidelines determine eligibility for all forms of public benefits and assistance. All clients of Lone Star Legal Aid must meet financial and legal status eligibility […]

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County Indigent Healthcare Program

The County Indigent Health Care Program helps low-income Texas residents who don’t qualify for other state or federal health care programs have access to health care services. An indigent patient is a patient whose health insurance coverage, if any, does not provide full coverage for all their medical expenses and that their medical expenses, in relationship to their income.   Benefits […]

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Lone Star Legal Aid and Texas Legal Services Center Launch Eviction Text Messaging Program

Lone Star Legal Aid, in partnership with Texas Legal Services Center, is happy to announce the launch of its Eviction Text Messaging Program. The program helps to guide our clients through the JP Court Eviction Appeal process with text messaging support. This guided support will provide text message reminders of deadlines, links to helpful information at appropriate times, and answer […]

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Lone Star Legal Aid’s Financial Assistance and Public Benefits Unit Overview

Our financial assistance and public benefits advocates help low-income families access nutritional, financial, and income-support benefits. We can help with  Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the program formerly known as Food Stamps Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Social Security County Indigent Healthcare Unemployment Insurance Medicare/Medicaid Discrimination in government programs for race, national origin, sex, pregnancy, […]

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Crime Victim Unit – Supporting Survivors of Healthcare Workplace Violence

Workplace violence (WPV) is any act or threat of violence, harassment, intimidation, or disruptive behavior that occurs in a workplace. Hospitals and health systems have vigorous protocols to detect violence against their staff. Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the health care field has seen an increase in workplace violence and studies show rates will not be receding anytime […]

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