The Irving City Council Work Session on June 12, 2025, featured a significant presentation on homelessness, led by local resident Laura Anderson. Anderson, who holds a doctorate in homelessness and has extensive experience as a municipal judge, addressed the council with a passionate plea for local action to address homelessness in Irving.

Anderson began by sharing her background, highlighting her 25 years of work in solving homelessness and behavioral health issues. She emphasized her role in the opportunity docket, which provided alternatives to incarceration for individuals struggling with mental health and substance abuse issues. Through this program, participants were able to achieve educational and employment milestones, demonstrating the potential for positive change within the community.

During her address, Anderson urged the council to reconsider their funding strategies, specifically criticizing the practice of sending financial resources to Dallas for homelessness solutions. She pointed out that Irving is in urgent need of social workers to directly assist those facing homelessness. Although the council has allocated $162,000 for caseworkers, Anderson expressed concern that these funds were directed to Housing Forward, an organization that may not prioritize Irving's needs.

Anderson's call to action included a request for the council to allocate funds directly to local organizations capable of providing immediate support to the homeless population in Irving. She concluded her remarks by asserting that the community could achieve better outcomes by focusing on local solutions rather than relying on external agencies.

The session underscored the pressing issue of homelessness in Irving and highlighted the need for a more localized approach to address the challenges faced by vulnerable residents. The council's response to Anderson's presentation and any subsequent actions regarding funding and support for local initiatives remain to be seen.