News and stories about our work advancing civil legal rights for low-income Texans.
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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: […]
Did you hear us on the radio last Friday, April 23, 2021 on the People’s News? In case you missed it, you can listen to Natalie Cochran from the Connecting Texas Kids to Coverage Unit at LSLA talk about how you can get your kids CHIP and Medicaid benefits for your children. Listen here starting at 27:00.
HHSC announced SNAP and Medicaid benefit renewals will automatically be renewed so that existing clients can maintain coverage during the crisis, but many Lone Star Legal Aid (LSLA) clients have reported their benefits have been denied or terminated. Lone Star Legal Aid’s Connecting Texas Kids to Coverage Team is available to help SNAP and Medicaid recipients with the appeal process […]
The Shriver Center on Poverty Law has announced the 47 fellows that have been selected to partake in the 2020 Racial Justice Institute, “a leadership program that equips and coordinates anti-poverty advocates to affirmatively advance racial equity.” Attorneys Ashea Jones and Deborah Concepcion will be representing Lone Star Legal Aid as they explore racial equity concepts that they can apply […]
Lone Star Legal Aid and Staff Awarded Three 2021 Pro Bono Excellence Awards Annually, the State Bar of Texas Committee for Legal Services to the Poor in Civil Matters presents awards to individuals, groups, and entities that perform exceptional work in the field of legal services to the poor. Lone Star Legal Aid and staff members, Dana Karni and Lena […]
The constant advancement of science, technology, and engineering has allowed for global progress, but our planet has endured the less favorable consequences of the process. With each passing day, our duty to preserve and protect the Earth grows. Though every day should present the opportunity to practice environmentally conscious and mindful behavior, April 22nd has served as the official Earth […]
Julie and Jeffrey got married in 2006 and share two young children. Jeffrey had always been abusive throughout their marriage. He would physically hit and choke her, bully his two children, and had several affairs with male partners. In addition to his violent behavior, he was an alcoholic and once under the influence, his abuse worsened. Because of his constant intoxication, he also failed to care for the children […]
Enacted on April 11, 1968, the Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination due to disability, race, familial status, national origin, sex, religion, or skin color in the sale, rental, and/or financing of dwellings and in other housing-related transactions. This year, Lone Star Legal Aid participates in the awareness campaign by featuring its Fair Housing Team on its weekly Facebook LIVE Friday […]
Houston, TX – In every large city in America, a small amount of housing is reserved for the poor, but it’s usually located in poor neighborhoods: with poor access to transportation, groceries, and jobs. Luckily, conditions improve when neighborhoods gentrify, except long-term residents don’t usually benefit from the improvements. Rising rents usually force out them, thereby continuing a cycle of […]
The recent extension of the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s eviction moratorium is often interpreted as a sign that evictions will come to a screeching halt. However, the more realistic outcome has been that landlords and property owners have used plenty of legal methods to circumvent the order. While these owners often have the necessary resources to hire […]
The purpose of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week is to teach our communities about victimization, the effect victimization has on individuals, families, friends, and the community. It’s also a time to promote legislation, policies and programs that help victims of crime. Organizations are coming together this April to provide education and advocacy for crime victims. Lone Star Legal Aid’s Texas […]
The CDC order that stops evictions for nonpayment of rent has been extended to the end of June 2021. In order to get this protection from eviction, tenants are required to submit a declaration to their landlord. Below you will find a declaration in English, Spanish, and Vietnamese: DECLARATION (ENGLISH); DECLARATION (SPANISH); AND DECLARATION (VIETNAMESE). Please review the declaration carefully and […]