Today we honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., minister, activist, and political philosopher, who played a vital role in shaping civil rights reforms of the 1960s. January is also National Poverty Awareness Month, a time to reflect on those less fortunate. Though Dr. King’s life was cut short on April 4, 1968, and the political winds of change shifted course from a focus on poverty to an emphasis on the Vietnam War, the lasting currents of his work still run through the discourse surrounding anti-poverty efforts today. Debates over Universal Basic Income have reemerged — including in Harris County — as have policy discussions surrounding affordable housing and a higher minimum wage. Following the lead of several major cities throughout the nation, Harris County is implementing an innovative pilot program called Uplift to offer guaranteed basic income for nearly 2,000 households in 10 zip codes throughout the region.
Read moreLegal Resources for Public Librarians
The following list details topics frequently brought up at the reference desk of the Harris County Hainsworth Law Library, along with reliable resources for information. In all situations, patrons should consult or get the advice of a trusted attorney.
Read moreRepresenting Yourself In Court
The Law Library offers several self-help resources for pro se litigants. “Pro se litigant” refers to someone who is a party in a court case without an attorney. Find books and guides by visiting the library in person. A library card is not required for accessing the print collection. Legal print materials may only be used on-site and are not available for checkout.
Recommended online resources are also included and can be accessed remotely.
Read moreHarris County Dashboards & Datasets Hub
Find Harris County public services, local government statistics, community resources, and much more information on the Harris County Dashboards & Datasets Hub. The hub collects multiple websites, dashboards, and datasets from various Harris County agencies into one convenient webpage.
Read moreDonate, Volunteer, and Connect to Your Community
It doesn’t have to be #GivingTuesday to get involved and give back to your community! This roundup of assistance programs, legal aid organizations, and other giving and volunteer opportunities that serve those in need of legal and general assistance in Harris County is a good place to start if you’re looking to give back to your community to give back to this holiday season.
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