News and stories about our work to protect and advance the civil legal rights of low-income Texans.
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 […]
PTSD Awareness Overview National Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Awareness Month is celebrated annually in June, and the awareness day is June 27, 2023. It aims to raise awareness of the disorder itself, which is a mental health issue that can develop after a person has endured a traumatic event, such as war, sexual assault, or a natural disaster. A person […]
If you’re living in “affordable housing,” you’re probably surrounded by poverty. It’s not supposed to be this way. When the poorest people are crowded in the least hospitable neighborhoods, it results in a lower standard of living. Ideally, subsidized housing would be constructed in areas with fewer poor people and less racial concentration. When developers try to build affordable housing […]
In observance of Juneteenth, Lone Star Legal Aid will be closed. All offices will reopen on Tuesday, June 20th, 2023. Texans can still apply for free legal help online at www.lonestarlegal.org.
Lone Star Legal Aid (LSLA) is pleased to announce a significant environmental justice settlement achieved in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) on behalf of Super Neighborhood 48, encompassing Trinity Gardens and Houston Gardens. This groundbreaking agreement is a major step forward in protecting underserved communities and their rights to a healthy and sustainable environment. Super Neighborhood 48’s […]
Meet Dennis, a devoted husband and father, whose life took an unexpected turn when he applied for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and was shockingly denied. Despite battling high blood pressure, gout, arthritis in multiple areas of his body, and lingering depression, Dennis was told he was “not disabled.” Faced with the daunting reality of being unable to work due […]
Navigating the legal landscape can be daunting, especially when faced with complex terminologies. To empower individuals with a better understanding of civil law, we aim to define and explain some common legal terms encountered in civil proceedings. By familiarizing ourselves with these terms, we can communicate effectively, make informed decisions, and navigate legal matters with confidence. In this guide, we’ll […]
In commemoration of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, we proudly highlight the exceptional contributions of Jessie Campbell and Victoria Smith at Lone Star Legal Aid. These remarkable individuals, with their diverse backgrounds and experiences, have played a pivotal role in advancing justice and championing the rights of underrepresented communities. Let’s delve into their incredible journeys and the profound impact they […]
Beware of notario fraud! It’s important to understand the risks involved to protect yourself and your loved ones. Notarios are not lawyers, even though their title might sound similar. They cannot provide legal advice or represent you in immigration matters. Some people pretend to be notarios to take advantage of vulnerable individuals seeking help with their immigration cases. They may […]
In observance of Memorial Day, Lone Star Legal Aid will be closed. All offices will reopen on Tuesday, May 30, 2023. Texans can still apply for free legal help online at www.lonestarlegal.org.
Mr. Yuriy Chertkov and his wife are Russian-speaking Holocaust survivors who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. In December, 2021, the couple received a reparations payment from Germany, which increased their bank account balance, putting them over the SSI resource limit. As a result, the Social Security Administration (SSA) determined they were not eligible for SSI for the month after […]
15-year-old Sarah’s dentist told her she needed braces. Although she had a health plan that was part of a Managed Care Organization (MCO), her orthodontic claims were denied over and over. They claimed braces are not “medically necessary.” Sarah’s mother Kathy reached out to Lone Star Legal Aid (LSLA) for assistance with an appeal. Elizabeth Green, in our Public Benefits […]
What is Title IX? Title IX is a federal civil rights law in the United States that prohibits discrimination based on sex in any educational institution that receives federal funding. Title IX protects individuals from gender-based discrimination in education, including sexual harassment, sexual violence, and sexual assault. Title IX requires educational institutions to address reports of sexual violence and support […]
HOUSTON, TX – Lone Star Legal Aid, alongside dozens of other volunteers and local nonprofit organizations, were recipients of volunteer appreciation awards Friday morning at City Hall. We were presented with the Mayor’s Community Engagement Award. We received the award because of our involvement with the City of Houston Department of Neighborhoods (DON) and Neighborhood Recovery Community Development Corporation’s (NRCDC) […]
