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News Release
Texas Access to Justice Foundation Free legal help available for eligible Texas Veterans AUSTIN, Texas––
“As
the pandemic continues to impact Texas communities, our veterans need us now
more than ever,”
said Betty Balli Torres, executive director of the Texas Access to Justice
Foundation. “We are grateful for the Texas legislature for its continued
funding of legal services that help our veterans improve their lives and the
wellbeing of their families.”
During the week of Nov. 9-13, legal aid programs, local bar associations,
law schools and pro bono private lawyers will provide civil legal services
for qualified Texas veterans. A full list of virtual clinics and events
throughout the state can be found
here.
Texas has the second-highest population of veterans in the nation. According
to the Department of Veterans Affairs’ annual survey of homeless and
formerly homeless veterans, legal issues account for five of the top 10
unmet needs of homeless veterans. Obtaining access to free legal services can
be critical for veterans to get the benefits and support they need for
themselves and their families. The Texas Access to Justice Foundation provided $3.3 million in grants last year to 13 nonprofit organizations that provide free legal services to veterans. Each year legal aid organizations provide free legal services to more than 8,000 Texas veterans. Legal aid organizations and pro bono lawyers are able to provide legal representation to veterans with civil legal problems, including: This year, in response to the coronavirus pandemic, the Texas Veterans Legal Aid Coalition created a video project targeted at veterans that aims to solve the challenges of outreach during COVID-19. Starting Nov. 13, the first of five videos will be released covering the topic of benefits for veterans. Visit, texaslawhelp.org to view the videos. Assistance is also provided at a statewide hotline for veterans, 1-800-622-2520, option 2. -30-
Kimberly Schmitt
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