News and stories about our work to protect and advance the civil legal rights of low-income Texans.
Organized by the Texas Access to Justice Foundation (TAJF), Texas Veterans Legal Aid Week (TVLAW) highlights the dedicated efforts of legal aid organizations to serve Veterans’ legal needs. As we approach this year’s TVLAW, it is an excellent time to reflect on the critical role legal aid plays in ensuring Veterans receive the support and assistance they deserve. While Veterans’ […]
November is Military Family Month, a time to honor and show appreciation for the resilience and sacrifices of military families who support our service members. These families endure unique challenges, including frequent relocations, long deployments, and the emotional toll of having loved ones in harm’s way. During this month, we recognize their unwavering commitment and strength, as they play a […]
In 2019, the U.S. reported a population of 54.1 million people age 65 or older (the most recent year for which data is available). They represented 16% of the population–more than one in every seven Americans. Older adults consistently experience the most significant percentage of loss during and after natural disasters compared to younger age groups (Fernandez, Byard, Lin, Benson, […]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Wednesday, October 25, 2023 During the 2022-2023 Bar Year, volunteers contributed over 2400 hours of pro bono service, equal to approximately $600,000 of donated legal services. This does not include the hours spent by volunteers assisting with training, mentorship, and other non-case specific assistance. “We want to thank every single Lone Star Legal Aid (LSLA) volunteer who […]
October is National Crime Prevention Month, National Bullying Prevention Month and Cyber Security Awareness Month. These national observances spread awareness about prevention and personal safety among millions of Americans. Lone Star Legal Aid contributes to the safety of families and communities in Texas and Southwest Arkansas. Our Crime Victim Unit represents, educates, and advocates for victims of crime. LSLA also […]
Houston, Texas — Lone Star Legal Aid, a legal aid organization, is proud to announce its historic symposium, “The Origins of Lone Star Legal Aid,” celebrating 75 years of dedicated service in meeting human and legal needs. The symposium will take place on Friday, November 3, 2023, at Thurgood Marshall School of Law from 10 AM to 4 PM. This […]
October is not just a month; it’s a movement. The month marks a significant time of year for survivors of domestic violence. Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) is a way for survivors and advocates to connect across the nation, working to end violence against women, men, and children. This year, on October 19, 2023, DVAM will encourage people and organizations […]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Houston, TX — Lone Star Legal Aid is proud to announce the launch of its groundbreaking initiative, Rise to Recovery, aimed at providing vital legal aid to individuals and families impacted by the opioid crisis. The opioid epidemic has had devastating consequences across our communities, leaving countless individuals facing a range of legal challenges, from child custody […]
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, […]
In observance of Labor Day, Lone Star Legal Aid will be closed. All offices will reopen on Tuesday, September 5th, 2023. Texans can still apply for free legal help online at www.lonestarlegal.org.
In 2020, Congress passed the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA), part of which continued Medicaid benefits for those already enrolled, regardless of any changes in eligibility. That continuous Medicaid coverage ended on March 31, 2023, and the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) began disenrolling recipients in May. HHSC began sending recertification letters to all Medicaid recipients […]
In 2013, Maira and Charlesh wed in Pakistan, aspiring to a brighter future in the United States. Charlesh migrated in 2015, followed by Maira and their child in 2017. They secured employment, obtained green cards, and aimed for U.S. citizenship. After arriving, Charlesh’s demeanor changed, leading to abuse and then a divorce and custody dispute. Charlesh deliberately isolated Maira and […]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Harris County, TX – August 14, 2023 – Lone Star Legal Aid (“LSLA”), a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing free legal services to underserved communities, has achieved a significant victory for tenants by securing the dismissal of over 100 eviction cases at Cabo San Lucas and Redford Apartments in Harris County. In a remarkable demonstration of their […]
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 2023 conference is a hybrid event, with in-person presentations and award ceremonies in Austin, Texas. Many Lone Star Legal Aid staff will be in attendance this year. To learn more about […]
In the pursuit of a fresh start, individuals with felony and misdemeanor arrests on their records often rely on the expungement process to clear their past and pave the way for a brighter future. Unfortunately, even after the legal process is complete, records may not appear to be expunged. Such was the case for Brenda, a client who faced obstacles […]
Christina and Gabriel were best friends, husband and wife, and parents to three girls. Gabriel was described as goofy and a good listener – but he had a secret that would destroy their blended family unit. Christina’s middle daughter found Gabriel’s phone recording her taking a shower. She was just 13 at the time. It was clear that he intended […]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Thursday, June 22, 2023 (Updated Friday, July 7, 2023) Houston, TX – Join us for a remarkable evening as Night Court proudly presents “The Law Files,” an event dedicated to supporting Houston area nonprofits, including Lone Star Legal Aid’s Military and Veterans Unit. We invite you to be part of this meaningful experience that aims to make […]
Access to justice is a fundamental right that gives every person access to legal remedies for their legal problems. However, for people with low-incomes, access to justice can be a challenge. Legal aid ensures access to justice regardless of a person’s financial means. What is Legal Aid? Legal aid is a system of providing legal assistance to individuals who cannot […]
Our elderly population routinely faces several forms of abuse, like neglect and financial exploitation. Consistently educating the public through advocacy and action will provide awareness and prevention of elder abuse. June is Elder Abuse Awareness Month, and today, June 15, is Elder Abuse Awareness Day! While physical abuse, neglect and abandonment are frequently used forms of elder abuse, financial exploitation […]
Contacts: Clarissa Ayala, cayala@lonestarlegal.org, 832-627-8404 Riikka Pohjankoski, riikka@airalliancehouston.org, 713-589-7079 Allyn West, awest@edf.org, 713-724-1810 MEDIA ADVISORY: (Houston, TX, June 15, 2023) — Concerned with the health and environmental risks connected to Port Houston’s $1 billion expansion of the Houston Ship Channel, known as Project 11, Healthy Port Communities Coalition representatives and legal and scientific experts will gather for a day of […]