Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas, 600 E Weatherford St 76102 Fort Worth, TX, US

A quick overview of tenant rights in Texas

Our offices will be closed December 31 and January 1. We will resume regular business hours Monday, January 4. From all of us at Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas, we wish you a happy and healthy New Year.

NTFB's Drive-Thru Mobile Pantry will be at the following locations this week. All food will be distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis. Unfortunately, no... walk-ups can be accommodated at our Mobile Pantry sites. If you do not have a vehicle or need other options for food assistance, visit ntfb.org/agencies on our website.

A quick overview of tenant rights in Texas.

Our offices are closed on the following days: December 23, 24, 25, 31, and January 1. Season’s Greetings from Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas!

For more info, visit www.lanwt.org/careers

Landlord / Tenant: Know Your Rights Webinar This last in our December series of virtual "Know Your Rights" webinars is today, Dec. 17, at 3 pm. Topics include the CDC eviction moratorium and landlord-tenant issues.

NTFB's Mobile Pantry will be at the following locations this week. All food will be distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis. Please note that we have one... distribution this week on Thursday at Way Truth & Life Church that will be walk-up only - masks will be required to receive food at this distribution. All other sites will be our normal drive-thru distributions and cannot accommodate walk-ups. If you need other options for food assistance, visit ntfb.org/agencies on our website.

StopTxEviction.org is a great, free resource for Texans facing eviction. We worked with @TRLA, @LStarLegal, @TLSC, and @TxAccessJustice to develop this resource to help keep tenants housed during Covid. Visit the site for info to access a live chat feature and to help you find resources, advice info, and essential docs. For legal advice, call our Legal Aid Line at 888-529-5277. All information & resources are free.

Landlord / Tenant: Know Your Rights Webinar This second of three virtual webinars this month is tomorrow, Dec. 10, at 3 pm. Topics include the CDC eviction moratorium and landlord-tenant issues.

NOTE: The Mobile Pantry distribution scheduled for today at Ennis Cares has been moved to The Avenue Church (2300 W Ennis Ave, Ennis, 75119). Please go to this new location for our distribution scheduled to start at 9 a.m. The North Texas Food Bank’s Drive-Thru Mobile Pantry will be at the following locations this week. All food will be distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis. The sites will be drive-thru distributions only and cannot accommodate walk-ups. If you do not have a vehicle or need other options for food assistance, visit ntfb.org/agencies

Texas Announces Emergency SNAP Benefits for December. Texas will provide approximately $204 million in emergency Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) food benefits in December as the state continues to respond to the pandemic. Texans in need can apply for benefits, including SNAP and Medicaid, at YourTexasBenefits.com.

Thankful Thursday. Attorney Nancy Turner began volunteering at our Amarillo office shortly before the pandemic began, working at in-person clinics. Once clinics went virtual, Nancy continued to help with online intakes. Nancy is primarily interested in estate matters, and was active in the Amarillo office’s wills clinic for essential workers that was held during Pro Bono week; Nancy accepted five cases from that clinic. Thanks, Nancy, for your pro bono service!

¿Está usted o alguien que conoce en riesgo de ser desalojado? La herramienta en stoptxeviction.org puede ayudarlo a comprender sus derechos.

Landlord / Tenant: Know Your Rights Webinar The first of three virtual webinars set for this month starts tomorrow, Dec. 3, at 3 pm. Topics include the CDC eviction moratorium and landlord-tenant issues. Click here for website, login info below: https://meetings.ringcentral.com/join

Are you or is someone you know at risk of being evicted? The tool on stoptxeviction.org can help you understand your rights. Help us spread the word about this resource within your communities. Stop TX Eviction is a joint project of Texas RioGrande Legal Aid, Lone Star Legal Aid, Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas, Texas Legal Services Center, and Texas Access to Justice Foundation

The North Texas Food Bank’s drive-thru mobile pantry will be at the following locations this week. All food will be distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis, and no walk-ups can be accommodated. If you do not have a vehicle or need other options for food assistance, visit ntfb.org/agencies

Our offices will be closed November 25-27 (Wed. Fri.) for the holiday. Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas!

Dallas restaurant workers will hand out 500 free Thanksgiving meals on Wednesday for anyone in need. https://www.dallasnews.com//dallas-restaurant-workers-at-/

Despite qualifying for the CDC eviction moratorium and presenting supporting paperwork to the court, an Army veteran is evicted from his home for the first time in his life. Legal Aid’s Huma Yasin talks moratorium loopholes and reluctant landlords. https://www.thenation.com//society/evictions-tenants-covid/

Thanksgiving Meals Offered in Abilene Area

¿Es usted uno de los 9 millones de estadounidenses que son elegibles pero no han recibido su Pago de Impacto Económico del gobierno de los EE. UU. Para ayudar con el estrés financiero relacionado con Covid? Si aún no ha recibido su cheque de estímulo y normalmente no presenta impuestos, tiene hasta el 21 de noviembre para reclamar y recibir su pago este año. Te gustaría más información? Mira nuestro video.

Are you one of the 9 million Americans who are eligible but haven’t received your Economic Impact Payment from the U.S. government to help with Covid-related financial stress? If you haven’t received your stimulus check yet and you don’t normally file taxes, you have until Nov. 21 to claim and get your payment this year. Would you like more information? Check out this video.

Are you or someone you know at risk of being evicted? The tool on stoptxeviction.org can help you understand your rights. Help us spread the word about this resource within your communities. Stop TX Eviction is a joint project of Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas, Lone Star Legal Aid, Texas Legal Services Center, Texas RioGrande Legal Aid, and Texas Access to Justice Foundation.

We're hosting another Legal Aid Workshop on Facebook live with Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas! Join us TOMORROW (11/19) at 6:30pm for information about housing rights and resources for both landlords and tenants. #legalaid #legalinfo #housing #housingresources #housingrights

Our largest ever Mega Mobile Market is headed to AT&T Stadium Parking Lot 4 this Friday, November 20 from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm! Turkeys and chickens will be dist...ributed as part of our Thanksgiving market. Please note that this market will replace our usual Friday Mega Mobile Market at Herman Clark Stadium. Refer to the map below for directions to AT&T Stadium's Lot 4. A BIG thanks to The Big Good FW as well as the Cotton Bowl Classic, Dallas Cowboys Arlington Police Department, ArlingtonTx Fire, AAA, The Gary Patterson Foundation, MWLogistics, Dallas Baptist Ministers Union of Dallas and Vicinity and American Airlines for being such great sponsors! #fighthunger #attstadium #cowboys #thebiggood #tafb

Este importante video guía a los televidentes a través del proceso de usar la herramienta de IRS.gov para no declarantes para obtener su verificación de estímulo. El IRS recientemente extendió el fin de plazo hasta el 21 de noviembre para registrarse usando la herramienta. La extensión es un intento de llegar a millones de individuos que pueden calificar para el pago de alivio, pero que aún no lo han recibido. https://youtu.be/xqx84b8zboQ

Dallas Legal Aid Attorney K’Lisha Rutledge joins other Texas advocates talking about the threat of eviction and the importance of knowing your rights: When people don’t know their rights, they risk losing them. She also shared several resources available to renters, including Legal Aid’s online application system and a new online toolkit, Stop TX Eviction. https://www.dallasnews.com//heres-how-to-get-help-if-your/

In honor of Veterans Day, legal aid programs, local bar associations, law schools, and pro bono attorneys will take part in a coordinated effort by the Texas Access to Justice Foundation to serve the civil legal needs of Texas veterans despite the challenges posed by Covid-19. Throughout the week, Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas will participate in virtual events honoring and assisting veterans and their families across its service area.

Do you live in Texas and can’t afford rent? Stop TX Eviction is a new online toolkit from Texas legal aid providers that can help you understand your rights, the typical eviction process, and what steps you should take to protect yourself. All information & resources are free. https://stoptxeviction.org/

Have You Received Your Stimulus Payment? Deadline to Apply is November 21. Today is National EIP Registration Day. If you don’t usually file a tax return and have not received your stimulus payment yet, the deadline to use the "Non-Filers: Enter Info Here" tool is Saturday, Nov. 21. If you receive federal benefits and have a qualifying child, but have not used the additional $500 payment, you must also use the non-filers tool by the Nov. 21 deadline. Visit at https://www.irs.gov/coro/non-filers-enter-payment-info-here Also people who are incarcerated are now eligible for the stimulus payment by court order. See IRS FAQ #A7. Affected individuals should monitor the IRS’s Economic Impact Payment Information Center for updates because litigation is ongoing and this court order may change.

We thank all those who participated and supported last night's 8th annual Builders of Justice Trivia Contest. Below is the team that won a hard fought, very entertaining contest that included questions of significant depth and detail on the chosen subjects. Nonetheless, a good time was had by all. Please remember that the wine pull, in which you pay $25.00 to take a chance on receiving a very high quality wine, ends today at 5:00 PM. Everyone will receive a bottle of fine wine. Some may be finer than others. Please go to: https://tinyurl.com/2020LANWTTrivia

Legal issues account for 5 of the top 10 unmet needs of homeless veterans, according to the annual survey of homeless and formerly homeless veterans by the Dept. of Veterans Affairs. During this week of honoring veterans for their service, we join Texas legal aid programs and others in the legal community in providing help ranging from advice and counsel to full representation to address the civil legal issues of veterans. Texas Access to Justice Foundation #TVLaw https://www.lubbockonline.com//commentary-tex/6084200002/

More than $200 million in emergency Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funds for Texas residents will be provided in November as the pandemic continues. There have been some changes to these benefits, including a reinstatement of work requirements. For more information, visit our Health and Public Benefits information at www.lanwt/covid-19resources

North Texas Food Bank’s Drive-Thru Mobile Pantry will be held at the following locations this week. No walk-ups can be accommodated at these sites. If you do not have a vehicle or need other options for food assistance, visit http://ntfb.org/agencies.

Thanking our Pro Bono Stars: Bryan D. Mackay. Bryan D. Mackay is an attorney with Davidson Sheen, LLP, where he serves clients in Odessa, Midland, and the greater Permian Basin/South Plains region. Bryan focuses his practice on business and commercial transactions; commercial and residential real estate; probate, wills and trusts; and general oil and gas law. A strong believer in serving and giving back to his local community, Bryan has served on several nonprofit boards and... is active in the local bar. Since 2013, Bryan has been providing pro bono help through Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas’ Equal Justice Volunteer Program (EJVP). Bryan particularly enjoys assisting veterans with their estate planning needs, as several of his family members are veterans. Most recently, Bryan attended Legal Aid’s First Responders Clinic, where he devoted an entire day to assisting first responders, many of whom were involved in the 2019 Odessa mass shooting, with their estate planning needs. Bryan was honored this week by the Odessa EJVP as Pro Bono Volunteer of the Year. #CelebrateProBono See more

Join us in recognizing our fabulous EJVP Team, who put the pro in pro bono. Row 1 (l-r): Abilene, Shaphan Sepeda; Amarillo, Luisa Vigil; Wichita Falls, Jessica Contreras; Midland, Jeannie Smith; Row 2: Lubbock, Christina Richey; Fort Worth, Ellena Simmons; McKinney, Jan Kearney; Denton, Emily Weiskopf; Row 3: San Angelo, James Casillas; Plainview, Sylvia Chavez; Odessa, Pete Fierro; Waxahachie, Denise Leonard #CelebrateProBono

Thanking Our Pro Bono Stars: Andrew Good. Attorney Andrew Good began volunteering for Legal Aid’s McKinney office in 2015. At the start, Andrew helped out by doing intake at clinics not only because his Texas Bar license was on inactive status after his retirement, but also because during his 25-year career as an in-house attorney, he never set foot in a courtroom while with that company. But then Andrew learned about the State Bar’s NOVA program, and his legal life took a ...new turn. The last time I was in a courtroom was 1983, Andrew says, and the prospect of going back into one was unnerving. Fortunately LANWT hooked me up with terrific mentors who have been invaluable. At first, Andrew took simple divorce cases. Now, he is taking more complex family law cases and even ventured into a new area of law: bankruptcy. Each case has been a learning experience, he says, "and I know that I will continue to learn with each new case. The pro bono work I’ve done has been very rewarding. The thanks I’ve received from clients and the knowledge that I’ve helped some really deserving people have more than made up for the anxiety I’ve experienced. What would he advise others who are thinking about pro bono work? Not everyone has the time or ability to volunteer, but if you do, I encourage you to try it. For me, volunteering is interesting, rewarding, and a great way to give back. Volunteer opportunities exist for a wide variety of interests. Who knows, you might just find you love it, too. #CelebrateProBono See more

This Year’s Red, White, & You Job Fair is Virtual. Veterans and other job seekers are encouraged to participate in the ninth annual Hiring Red, White, & You Statewide Job Fair, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., on Thursday, Nov. 5. The virtual event is sponsored by Workforce Solutions for Tarrant County, the Texas Workforce Commission, and the Texas Veterans Commission. The event is free and open to all. https://www.fortworthtexas.gov//Workforce-Solutions-Job-Fa

Thanking Our Pro Bono Stars: The Honorable Raquel Brown. Municipal Court Judge Raquel Brown serves as criminal magistrate and presides over trial court, juvenile court, code compliance, traffic court, and truancy court. Despite her busy schedule, Judge Brown has volunteered with Legal Aid’s Fort Worth office since 2015. She regularly attended the bimonthly Highland Hill Legal Clinic until the pandemic caused the suspension of in-person clinics. Once again, Judge Brown stepped... up to assist, smoothly shifting to holding monthly virtual clinics to help those in need. Judge Brown believes that her community involvement is a return on the investment that the community has made in her. I want to do more, she says. Judge Brown will be among those honored during Fort Worth’s Celebrate Pro Bono virtual awards and recognition event on October 29. To register, visit https://bit.ly/3kAf31o See more

Please join our Fort Worth office’s Equal Justice Volunteer Program this Thursday for a virtual Celebrate Pro Bono recognition event at 6 pm where we honor members of the community for their volunteer service. We are pleased to welcome Cheryl Zalenski, Director of the American Bar Association Center for Pro Bono as our keynote speaker. To register, visit https://bit.ly/3kAf31o

Legal Aid’s Community Revitalization Project has created a voter information sheet for several counties in North and West Texas. Click here to view: https://bit.ly/3ovbI6m If your county is not among those listed, visit https://www.votetexas.gov/ for more information

Trivia knowledge wanted, but not required! Join us for a friendly night of competition and challenge. Bring your own team or be joined with other like-minded trivia fans. Whether you’re a trivia geek or a trivia wiz wanna-be, you’ll have a fun time while supporting a good cause. What: 8th Annual Fundraiser (Virtual via Zoom) When: Sunday, November 8 | 6 to 8 pm Cost: $25 Suggested Donation; Sponsorships Available... How: Register here: https://bit.ly/2HpdV2q See more

Legal Aid supports #purpleout day during Domestic Violence Awareness month. Did you know that 1 in 4 women experience intimate partner violence? That 1 in 9 men experience intimate partner violence? Or that 1 in 3 teens experience dating violence? We have programs to help those affected by family or intimate partner violence. Call us at 888-529-5277. #domesticviolenceawareness

Free Power Act CLE for Attorneys, Tomorrow, October 15, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., via Zoom. The Power Act requires the chief judge of each judicial district to provide training that promotes pro bono representation for survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. In keeping with that mandate, a Power Act CLE will be held on 10/15 via Zoom to provide specialized training for attorneys that includes the basics of family law, working with survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, and obtaining protective and additional relief as needed for survivors. Speakers include The Honorable Barbara Lynn, Chief Judge of the Northern District of Texas. See below for details; register by email to [email protected]

New program seeks to reduce number of evictions, helping both renters and landlords. The Texas Eviction Diversion Program starts today in 19 pilot counties in an effort to keep Texans affected by Covid-19 in their homes. The goal is to reduce the number of evictions by enabling landlords and tenants to work out an agreement on nonpayment of rent issues. Under the voluntary program, past due rent obligations may be eligible to be paid in full and the eviction case dismissed. ...Although currently offered in only 19* counties, the program is expected to be available on a statewide basis beginning November 9. For more information, contact our Legal Aid Line at 888-529-5277 or visit http://txcourts.gov/programs-se/eviction-diversion-program/ *The pilot counties are: Bee, Bexar, Brazos, Chambers, Deaf Smith, El Paso, Erath, Fannin, Grayson, Harris, Jim Wells, Kleberg, Montgomery, Palo Pinto, Parker, Potter, Randall, San Patricio, and Wise. See more

Join us Tuesday, October 13 at 6:30 p.m. for a free virtual Amarillo Eviction Resources Forum presented by Amarillo United Citizens Forum. Evictions have increa...sed dramatically in our area due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We have gathered leaders from four Amarillo area organizations to discuss the resources available to area residents. Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/8824390396 Panelists include: Jason Riddlespurger, City of Amarillo, Texas Christy Hilbert, Panhandle Community Services Kay Pechin, Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas Katie Noffsker United Way of Amarillo & Canyon

Elder Justice Program Helps Fight Elder Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation. Legal Aid’s Heather McKinney, an Equal Justice Works Fellow in the Elder Justice Program, appeared on WFAA’s Good Morning Texas program today, talking about seniors and the pandemic. One of her takeaways: Although Covid-19 is a threat to seniors’ health, scammers are using the pandemic to threaten their financial safety as well. If a caller claims to be from a government agency, think twice before giving any out personal or financial information. Heather is one of our three EJW Fellows. Stay tuned to learn more about the great work they are doing. See Heather's full interview here: https://www.wfaa.com//287-39a9cb91-9e88-4ffe-a5b9-0335d510

Low Income Tax Clinic Attorney Miranda Rhyne walks viewers through the process of using IRS.gov's non-filer tool to get their stimulus check. The IRS recently extended the deadline to November 21 to register using the tool. The extension is an attempt to reach millions of individuals who may qualify for the relief payment but have yet to receive it.

It’s not too late for Texans to fill out their census. To help ensure proper resources in their community, the Texas Demographic Center recommends that residents fill out the census online or call the Census Bureau at 844-330-2020 before the Oct. 31 deadline. Texas Demographic Center

NTFB's drive-thru mobile pantry will be at the following locations this week. All food will be distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis. No walkups can be accommodated at these sites. If you do not have a vehicle or need other options for food assistance, visit ntfb.org/agencies.

This Monday, October 5, is the last day to register to vote in Texas. Visit https://www.votetexas.gov/register/index.html to learn more.

Free PPE in Dallas this Monday

Thank you Legal Services Corporation! Because of your support, disaster survivors in Texas have two new tools to allow them to find legal resources to help themselves and connect them to volunteers who are ready to help. LANWT, with its partners, Lone Star Legal Aid and Texas RioGrande Legal Aid, are proud to introduce an online portal called Texas Disaster Legal Help. One TDLH tool provides disaster survivors with resources relevant to their specific legal needs and facilitates their application for legal aid. The second TDLH tool provides training materials and resources for pro bono attorneys and other volunteers as well as one central location to find statewide volunteer opportunities. For more info, visit https://texasdisasterlegalhelp.simplejustice.org/

Family Law Virtual Clinic for Dallas County Residents Only. Tuesday, October 6, 2020, 5 p.m. 7 p.m. To register, visit https://zoom.us//regis/tJctfmhqTkiG93Vk5zzaUtnjJXW6OjwXx2Z

Mega Mobile Food Markets in Tarrant County. As many people continue to turn to food banks and pantries, the Tarrant Area Food Bank will hold weekly mobile markets starting this afternoon. The markets will be set up at different locations throughout the county Tuesday through Saturday until the end of November. The first mobile market will open at 4 p.m. today at Southcliff Church off the SW Loop in Fort Worth. The Tarrant Area Food Bank serves a 13-county region that includes the western half of Dallas-Fort Worth. https://www.keranews.org//tarrant-food-bank-launches-weekl

Attention Attorneys: Free Power Act CLE, Thursday, October 15, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., via Zoom. The Power Act, passed by Congress in 2018, requires the chief judge of each judicial district to provide training that promotes pro bono representation for survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. In keeping with that mandate, a Power Act CLE has been scheduled to provide specialized training for attorneys that includes the basics of family law, working with survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, and obtaining protective and additional relief as needed for survivors. Speakers include The Honorable Barbara Lynn, Chief Judge of the Northern District of Texas. See below for details; register by email to [email protected]