Winter Storm Uri Recovery Resources

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Last week, Winter Storm Uri wreaked havoc coast-to-coast as record snow, ice, and cold temperatures blanketed much of the nation. Here, in Texas, millions were left without power as the power grid that supplied electricity to much of the state failed amid growing demand. Not only did residents face power outages, they had to confront water shortages from burst or frozen pipes and water mains and empty shelves at grocery stores. Fortunately, power has been restored, but for many, there is still much more to be done.

For those requiring assistance or simply looking for answers to some questions they might have, the librarians at Harris County Robert W. Hainsworth Law Library have compiled a list of helpful disaster relief resources:

TexasLawHelp.org - Winter Strom Uri - Disaster Relief and Recovery - Users can find information on submitting a homeowners insurance claim, answers for common questions people have about disasters, steps they can take to recover from the disaster, and avoiding disaster scams. There are also links to legal organizations and other helpful groups, such as the American Red Cross and the National Consumer Law Center.

ReadyHarris.org - Winter Weather Recovery Resources - ReadyHarris.org, the web portal for Harris County, has a page devoted to winter weather recovery resources, such as the latest news and updates and links for applying for federal disaster assistance, reporting price gouging in the county, and a Houston Food Bank Finder. The website also provides some data on where residents can find supplies. Visitors to the website also being asked to complete a survey documenting any damage they sustained.

State Bar of Texas - Disaster Relief Resources - The State Bar of Texas has a toll-free legal hotline, 800-504-7030, to connect low-income residents with legal aid providers. The hotline is available in English, Spanish, and Vietnamese. There is also a guide to help people understand FEMA. There are also presentations about replacing lost documents, insurance help, renters rights, and scams and price gouging. Some disaster relief contacts are also provided.

DisasterAssistance.gov - People looking to apply for disaster assistance can apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov. The website also provides a personalized list of possible resources for assistance. Users can also search for federal disaster relief by category or agency.

Harris County Attorney - If you suspect that you were the victim of price gouging, visit the website of the Harris County Attorney to find information about what you can do and how you can file a complaint.

Houston Bar Association - The public can find general disaster recovery information and assistance, information about specific issues, and information about further help from the Houston Bar Association and its affiliates. There are also resources for attorneys.

For additional resources, please visit the Law Library’s Disaster Recovery Resources webpage.

Harris County Law Library Renamed to Honor Civil Rights Leader Robert W. Hainsworth

Robert W. Hainsworth, Attorney

 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Houston, TX (February 9, 2021) — Today, Harris County Commissioners Court adopted a resolution, introduced by Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis and led by Harris County Attorney Christian D. Menefee, to rename the Harris County Law Library in honor of Robert W. Hainsworth.

 In 1951, Mr. Hainsworth filed a lawsuit challenging the “one-table rule,” which was a Law Library rule requiring African-American attorneys to use a single, designated table while working in the library. While the courts denied his call for equality, it is only fitting that the Law Library be rededicated to acknowledge the victory of his vision. Today’s Law Library is a place where everyone has a seat at any table.

 “Mr. Hainsworth’s determination in the fight for equality is an inspiration for us all, especially those attorneys and self-represented litigants who so often use the Law Library,” County Attorney Menefee said. “He was a trailblazer. His work on this case and in later founding the Houston Lawyers Association shows that he was relentless.”

 “I am very proud to support renaming the Harris County Law Library after Robert W. Hainsworth, especially during Black History Month,” said County Commissioner Ellis. “Hainsworth’s fight to desegregate the courthouse and law library paved the way for generations after him. It is only fitting that we would name our law library, which helps to make the legal system more accessible to all, in his honor.”

 “We are planning projects with community partners to create a permanent exhibit in the library and to offer educational programs to raise awareness about Robert W Hainsworth and his work for equality in Harris County,” said Law Library Director Mariann Sears.

 Today’s Law Library rededication was widely supported by local leaders and legal organizations at Commissioners Court, including the Houston Lawyers Association (HLA), the Houston Young Lawyers Association, the Houston Area Law Librarians, the Houston Bar Association (HBA), HLA president R.J. Blue, HBA president Bill Kroger, and several former HLA leaders.

 About the Harris County Robert W. Hainsworth Law Library

The Harris County Robert W. Hainsworth Law Library opened its doors in 1915 as the Harris County Law Library, and it has continued to serve Harris County’s legal information needs for more than a century. After becoming a part of the Office of the Harris County Attorney in 2011, the Law Library greatly expanded its technology offerings and services to the public. Visit www.harriscountylawlibrary.org for more information.

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