News and stories about our work to protect and advance the civil legal rights of low-income Texans.
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) […]
Every May, the Administration for Community Living (ACL) leads the nation’s annual celebration of Older Americans Month (OAM). The theme for 2023 is “Aging Unbound,” which aims to discuss the diversity among aging populations, and discredit stereotypes. For many people, becoming an older adult brings newfound freedom and benefits: grown children, impending retirement, exploring new interests, travel, and more time […]
David Jenkins was discharged honorably from the US Army in 1973, and even received the National Defense Service Medal for his time on duty. Many veterans face difficulties adjusting to civilian life after time in the military, which can lead to mental health challenges like depression and anxiety. In almost a third of cases, this can also lead to involvement […]
Houston, Texas – The City of Houston’s Council Member, Leticia Plummer, hosted the Fifth Ward Cancer Cluster Collaborative Summit from April 24th through the 27th. The summit included a community sites tour, press conference, townhall, a proclamation in honor of IMPACT Greater Fifth Ward and advocate Sandra Small, and community breakout sessions with environmental and community leaders. IMPACT Greater Fifth […]
The Champions of Justice Gala Benefiting Veterans, held on April 25 at the Bullock Texas State History Museum in Austin, raised $485,000 to provide civil legal services to low-income Texas veterans. The Texas Access to Justice Commission and the State Bar of Texas co-sponsored the event, and the funds raised will be distributed by the Texas Access to Justice Foundation […]
The Intercontinental Terminals Company (ITC) is seeking a renewal of a Federal Operating Permit (FOP) from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) for the Deer Park Terminal, where a hazardous chemical fire occurred in 2019. To discuss the permit application, a Public Hearing will be held on May 4th at 7 PM at the Gaines Mason Auditorium, also known […]
Not all legal problems are solved in the courtroom. Lawyers can help you with legal advice only or brief service. This is like an interview where you talk to the lawyer about your problem, and they give you advice. This can help you decide what to do next about your legal problem. In some cases, they may provide a brief […]
