RESOURCE GUIDE
LEGAL ASSISTANCE
Renters’ protection: People living in rental housing financed by government-backed loans are protected from eviction during the pandemic. Landlords cannot begin eviction proceedings or charge penalties on unpaid rent until Aug. 23. To find out if your rental housing is included, go to knowyouroptions.com or myhome.freddiemac.com.
Unpaid wages: If you worked hours before the stay-home mandate and have not been paid, you can file a claim with the Texas Workforce Commission under the Texas Payday Law. File your claim online at twc.texas.gov, where you’ll find tutorials and information to help you through the process. You must submit your claim within 180 days of your missed pay date.
Small-business help: Vinson & Elkins and the City of Houston’s Office of Business Opportunity with several other local law firms are offering one hour of free legal advice to small businesses in Houston. Through phone consultations, they will offer advice on loan and grant relief programs, taxes, commercial leases, contracts, employment, intellectual property and other pandemicrelated general business issues.
Small businesses, self-employed entrepreneurs and nonprofits are all eligible. First fill out a form at houstontx.gov/obo/free-legalassistance.html and email it to obolegalservices@houstontx.gov. Consejos Legales: The MexicanAmerican Bar Association of Houston, Hispanic Bar Association of Houston and Houston Bar Association will again hold Consejos Legales helping Spanishspeaking residents with general legal questions or COVID-19 inquiries, including unemployment and eviction, from 6-8 p.m. on the first Thursday of each month. Choose a time slot at HBA.org/ LegalLine to register in advance. For information call 713-759-1133. Lone Star Legal Aid: For help with COVID-19 and other legal issues, call 800-733-8394 or go to lone star legal. blog.
Houston Bar Association: The HBA’s free LegalLine will answer legal questions — general or COVID-19 related — 5-8 p.m. on Wednesdays. Go to hba.org/legalline to sign up for a time slot or call 713-759-1133. Calls are limited to 20 minutes. For immigration questions, call 833-468-4664 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday.
Writing wills: Houston Volunteer Lawyers have developed a free guide to help people create a handwritten, or “holographic,” will. After you write your will, store it in a safe place and let your appointed executor know where it is. Later, consult an attorney to confirm that it is complete. For the free guide and information on virtual legal clinics, visit makejusticehappen.org or call 713-2280735.
Houston Volunteer Lawyers: Volunteer attorneys will give legal advice over the phone for those who submit an application and are eligible for its pro bono services. The advice interviews are 2-5 p.m. on Fridays. Apply online at www.makejusticehappen.org/
HEROES OF COVID-19
Houstonians are showing courage and resilience — coming together to help those vulnerable and in need. These everyday heroes make Houston strong, and we want to celebrate them. Nominate the heroes on the front line in your community: doctors, nurses, grocery store workers, business owners and volunteers. Send your nominee’s name and contact information to houstonheroes@chron.com and tell us about your hero.