News and stories about our work to protect and advance the civil legal rights of low-income Texans.
The State of Texas’ participation in federal pandemic unemployment benefit programs is ending. As a result, the final benefit week that the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) will pay federal pandemic unemployment benefits under the American Rescue Plan is the benefit week ending June 26, 2021. This includes the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program for those who traditionally do not qualify […]
La participación del estado de Texas en los programas federales de beneficios por desempleo pandémico está terminando. Como resultado, la última semana de beneficios en la que la Comisión de la Fuerza Laboral de Texas (TWC) pagará los beneficios federales por desempleo pandémico bajo el Plan de Rescate Americano es la semana de beneficios que finaliza el 26 de junio […]
June is Elder Abuse Prevention Month and all month, we are working with community partners and professional groups around the state to raise awareness about adult abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation. Our Justice for Older Adults aims at assisting older adults living in 25 high-poverty counties. This new advocacy initiative will serve older adults facing a variety of civil legal […]
Enrolled students (up to 21 years of age) in families that temporarily lost access to free or reduced-price school meals for the 2020–2021 school year due to the COVID-19 pandemic may be eligible to receive Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT). P-EBT benefits can be used to buy food from any retailer that accepts the Lone Star Card. Who is eligible? […]
Every June, Lone Star Legal Aid participates in National Homeownership Awareness Month by celebrating all the work we do to keep homeowners in their homes. Lone Star Legal Aid’s Foreclosure Prevention Project helps low-income homeowners and their families preserve homeownership and, in doing so, protect home equity, gain housing stability, and safeguard communities. The Foreclosure Prevention Project works to prevent […]
Union Pacific (“UP”) has applied to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (“TCEQ”) for an RCRA Permit that would address the Creosote/DNAPL Plume that is currently underneath parts of a residential neighborhood in the 5th Ward/Kashmere Gardens area, as well as its own property. Before UP’S permit is approved, the public has the right to weigh in on the matter […]
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 […]
Mrs. Martinez’s son Jason was 13 years old when he passed away from a severe illness. Jason was in the hospital from December 2020 to January 2021. With medical bills piling up, Mrs. Martinez applied for Medicaid and was never sent an approval or denial letter for the deceased child. While he was still living, the hospital continuously reached out to collect the mounting debt and insensitive phone calls were the last thing Mrs. Martinez […]
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 […]
The 2019 Public Charge Rule created confusion and fear that may have prevented immigrants and their families, including their children, from accessing critical government services available to them. It is critical that immigrants and their families, many of whom are essential workers, are able to access necessary government services for which they may be eligible to keep their families safe […]
The amount you pay in property taxes as a homeowner is determined by multiplying the assessed (calculated or estimated) value of your property and your tax rate. You can protest these values if you believe they are wrong. It may vary by county, but in most cases, the deadline to protest property taxes in Texas is May 15 or 30 […]
The Federal Communications Commission is offering an Emergency Broadband Benefit Program that provides support for broadband (internet) services and certain devices to help low-income households stay connected during the COVID-19 pandemic. This new benefit will connect eligible households to jobs, critical healthcare services, virtual classrooms, and so much more. About the Emergency Broadband Benefit The Emergency Broadband Benefit will provide […]
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 […]
May 9-15, 2021 is National Hurricane Preparedness Week. This week is dedicated to informing, preparing, and planning for disastrous weather this hurricane season. Rain, wind, and water can happen anywhere, not just on the coast, so it’s keen to start preparing as soon as possible. It is important to consider how COVID-19 might affect your preparation plans. Make sure everyone […]
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 […]
For many people, becoming an older adult brings newfound freedom and benefits: grown children, impending retirement, exploring new interests, travel, and more time for self-care. But just as often, older adulthood can bring challenges to safety, independence, self-determination, and financial security. May is Older American’s Month which raises awareness concerning elder abuse and neglect as we age. We must be […]
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 […]
Lone Star Legal Aid is beginning to have more community partners join our Connecting Texas Kids to Coverage Unit for on-site enrollment clinics. Please see the dates and times below. BakerRipley Harback: Medicaid/CHIP Enrollment Clinic Frequency: Monthly Event – 3rd Wednesday of the Month Address: 6225 Northdale Street Houston, TX 77087 Time: 9 AM – 1 PM Highland Heights Elementary School: Medicaid/CHIP Enrollment Clinic Frequency: […]
