🧠 Did You Know?
Important rights and protections for vulnerable and at-risk Texans
🚔 You have the right to remain silent during police questioning — and that silence cannot be used against you in court.
🔹 (5th Amendment)🏠 Your landlord cannot evict you without proper written notice.
You may be protected under state or federal eviction rules, especially during emergencies.👂 You have the right to a free interpreter in court or when accessing government services if English is not your first language or you are deaf/hard of hearing.
🔹 (Title VI of the Civil Rights Act / ADA)📂 You can request a copy of your criminal record and ask for corrections.
In some cases, you may even qualify for record sealing or expunction.💼 You cannot be denied a job based on race, religion, gender, or disability.
Discrimination laws apply to all workers, regardless of your background.🍽️ You may qualify for free or low-cost health care, housing, or food—even if you are unemployed or unhoused.
Help is available through 211texas.org or local nonprofits.🔗 Domestic violence survivors can get emergency housing, legal aid, and protective orders—even if they have no income or documentation.
🛑 A police officer cannot search you, your bag, or your home without consent or a warrant—unless there’s legal cause.
⚖️ Trusted Legal Aid for Texans Facing Hardship
If you’re facing eviction, discrimination, a criminal record, or need help applying for benefits, these organizations provide free or low-cost legal support to Texans in difficult situations. You don’t have to face these challenges alone.
🧾 Legal Aid Contact Cards
🏛️ Lone Star Legal Aid – Housing & Homelessness Unit
Region: East Texas, Gulf Coast, and Greater Houston
Summary:
Lone Star Legal Aid provides free civil legal services to low-income individuals, including tenants, domestic violence survivors, and homeless individuals. They help with housing disputes, illegal evictions, utility shutoffs, and access to services.
✅ Especially helpful for:
Unlawful eviction defense
Homelessness prevention
Utility disputes or denial of housing due to background
📞 (713) 652-0077
📍 Street Law / Reentry Legal Programs
Region: National (Check local affiliates in Texas)
Summary:
Street Law supports individuals with past convictions, young adults reentering society, and those affected by the justice system. They offer legal education, record-clearing resources, and reentry toolkits through local partnerships.
✅ Especially helpful for:
Understanding your rights post-incarceration
Reentry support for employment and housing
Legal workshops for formerly incarcerated individuals
📞 Contact: streetlaw@streetlaw.org
📘 TexasLawHelp.org
Region: Statewide
Summary:
TexasLawHelp.org is a free legal self-help website for low-income Texans. It offers easy-to-understand guides, forms, and legal information about housing, public benefits, protective orders, family law, and more.
✅ Especially helpful for:
Tenants facing eviction
Individuals needing to seal/expunge records
People applying for SNAP, Medicaid, or SSI
📞 Contact: Online only
🚨 Immediate Help & Emergency Hotlines
Get support, stay safe, and connect with someone who can help—anytime, day or night.
If you or someone you know is in danger, in crisis, or in need of urgent support, help is available 24/7. These hotlines are confidential and free to use.
📞 Hotline List
📞 Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
24/7 support for anyone in an abusive or unsafe situation.📞 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: 988
Speak with trained counselors about mental health, substance abuse, or emotional distress.📞 Texas Abuse Hotline: 1-800-252-5400
Report abuse, neglect, or exploitation of children, seniors, or vulnerable adults.📍 211 Texas – Local Help Finder
Find food, shelter, counseling, and local emergency services in your area.
🔗 Visit 211Texas.org
If you don't know your rights, you don't have any.