During the June 26, 2025, Irving City Council meeting, the urgent need for addressing homelessness in the community took center stage. Community members passionately urged the council to redirect $2.9 million previously allocated for other purposes back to initiatives supporting the homeless population.

Max Wellittle, a resident who shared his personal journey with mental health and substance abuse, highlighted the importance of comprehensive support systems. He spoke about a residential psychiatric hospital that offers various therapies and life-changing resources, emphasizing the need for similar local support for those struggling with addiction and mental health issues.

April Sanderson, a long-time Irving resident and volunteer with Live Change Housing, shared poignant stories of individuals experiencing homelessness, including an 84-year-old grandmother who was reunited with her daughter after years on the streets. Sanderson stressed that simply moving homeless individuals out of sight does not solve the problem. Instead, she called for a focus on the root causes of homelessness and the need for consistent support and advocacy.

The meeting also touched on the recent election and the ethics complaint against council member Sergio Perez. Fergus Scully read a statement from Perez defending his campaign contributions and urging the council to dismiss what he described as politically motivated attacks. Susan Motley echoed this sentiment, advocating for a strong ethics code that transcends political divides and fosters trust in local government.

As the council continues to navigate these pressing issues, the community's call for action on homelessness remains a critical focus, with hopes for a more compassionate and effective approach to support those in need.