Homelessness and poverty are issues that can affect many people in a community, but they often impact people with disabilities, mental health challenges, and diverse abilities in more complex and long-term ways. Without stable housing, income supports, and community services, people can quickly face barriers to safety, health, and independence.
In Kamloops and across British Columbia, organizations such as A Way Home Kamloops, the Kamloops Elizabeth Fry Society, food banks, and other community non-profits play an important role in supporting people who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
The History of A Way Home Kamloops
A Way Home Kamloops was created as part of a broader movement to end youth homelessness by focusing on prevention, housing, and coordinated community supports. It was founded through the leadership and advocacy of Katherine McParland, a passionate community member who deeply understood the challenges faced by young people leaving government care.
Katherine McParland had lived experience in the child welfare system, which gave her a strong understanding of what happens when youth age out of care without stable housing, family support, or long-term planning. Many young people in this situation can quickly become vulnerable to homelessness, poverty, and instability.
Because of this, she worked to bring together community partners, housing providers, and support services to create a more connected system that would prevent youth homelessness before it starts.
A Way Home Kamloops was built on the idea that homelessness is preventable, and that with the right supports in place early, young people can successfully transition into adulthood.
The organization focuses on:
- Preventing youth homelessness
- Providing safe housing options
- Supporting youth leaving care
- Coordinating wraparound community services
- Helping young people build independence
Katherine McParland’s leadership helped shape the organization into a model that focuses on both immediate housing and long-term support.
Katherine’s Place: A Lasting Legacy
One of the most important parts of Katherine McParland’s legacy is Katherine’s Place, a supportive housing building in Kamloops operated in partnership with community organizations and BC Housing.
Katherine’s Place was created to provide safe, stable housing for youth who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness, especially those leaving government care without strong family supports.
The building is staffed 24/7 and is designed to provide more than just a place to live. It offers a supportive environment where young people can access:
- Safe and stable housing
- Life skills development
- Mental health and wellness supports
- Education and employment guidance
- Food and basic needs supports
- Ongoing staff support and mentorship
This approach recognizes that stability is the foundation for success. When young people have safe housing and supportive relationships, they are more likely to succeed in education, employment, and independent living.
Katherine’s Place stands as a lasting tribute to Katherine McParland’s vision that no young person should be left without support when leaving care.
Poverty, Disability, and Barriers to Stability
People with disabilities may face additional barriers such as limited income options, challenges accessing employment, and difficulty finding accessible housing. These barriers can increase the risk of poverty over time.
Youth aging out of care, individuals with mental health challenges, and people with developmental disabilities are especially vulnerable when supports are not in place. Without coordinated services, people can struggle to meet basic needs like housing, food, and healthcare.
This is why strong community systems are needed to prevent people from falling into long-term homelessness.
Community Supports in Kamloops
The Kamloops Elizabeth Fry Society is one of the community organizations that supports people experiencing poverty, housing insecurity, and justice-related challenges. They provide outreach, advocacy, and housing-related supports to help people stabilize their lives and access services.
Food banks and emergency food programs also play a major role in supporting individuals and families who are struggling with food insecurity. These services help ensure that people can meet basic needs during times of financial hardship.
Together, these organizations form part of a larger network of community care.
Why Wraparound Supports Matter
Wraparound supports mean different services working together to support the whole person, not just one issue. Instead of separating housing, health, and income supports, wraparound care connects them into a coordinated system.
These supports can include:
- Housing and shelter programs
- Mental health and counselling services
- Disability and income assistance
- Employment and education support
- Food security programs
- Community outreach and advocacy
When these systems work together, people are more likely to stay housed, improve their wellbeing, and build long-term independence.
Building a Stronger and More Inclusive Community
Addressing homelessness, poverty, and disability-related barriers requires collaboration between governments, non-profits, and community organizations. It also requires understanding that housing is a foundation for everything else in life.
Through the work of A Way Home Kamloops, the legacy of Katherine McParland, and supports like Katherine’s Place, Kamloops continues to build solutions that focus on prevention, dignity, and inclusion.
A strong community is one where everyone has access to safety, support, and the opportunity to thrive.
https://kamloops.cmha.bc.ca/affordable-housing/
https://theseed.ca/services/kamloopswc
https://kamloopsfoodbank.org/
https://efry.com/
https://kamloopsefry.com/
https://www.bchousing.org/
People with Disabilities, Poverty, and the Importance of Community Supports
Many people with disabilities, diverse abilities, and mental health challenges face financial hardships. Some live on limited incomes and struggle to afford housing, food, transportation, and other everyday necessities. Unfortunately, some people with disabilities may experience homelessness or be at risk of losing their homes due to rising living costs and a shortage of affordable housing.
One reason the Government of British Columbia provides disability assistance through the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction is to help people with disabilities meet their basic needs and live with dignity. Disability assistance, often called PWD (Persons with Disabilities) benefits, was created to provide financial support to people whose disabilities may make it difficult to earn enough income through traditional employment. Over the years, disability advocates and self-advocates have worked hard to improve these supports and raise awareness about the barriers people with disabilities can face.
Self-Employment and Inclusion
Many people receiving disability assistance still want to work, contribute to their communities, and pursue their goals. This is one reason why the Province of British Columbia and Community Living British Columbia support self-employment opportunities for people with disabilities. Self-employment can provide flexibility that traditional jobs may not offer. Some individuals need flexible schedules, the ability to work from home, or the opportunity to build a business around their unique strengths and interests.
Self-employment also promotes independence, self-determination, and inclusion. Rather than focusing on limitations, it allows people to showcase their talents, creativity, leadership, and expertise.
Why Income Supports and Self-Employment Matter
British Columbia encourages people receiving disability assistance to explore employment and self-employment when possible. Programs such as PWD include earnings exemptions that allow individuals to earn additional income while still receiving assistance. This helps people improve financial stability while maintaining essential supports.
Self-employed self-advocates also play an important role in society. Their lived experience helps reduce stigma, educate the public, and promote inclusion. Many people use self-employment as a way to build confidence, skills, and independence.
Human Rights and Equal Opportunity
British Columbia’s human rights principles support equal access to employment and freedom from discrimination. While self-employment is not defined as a separate human right, equality laws support the idea that people with disabilities must have fair opportunities to work, earn income, and participate in community life.
Supplementing Income
Supplementing income is often a practical and important choice for people on disability assistance. While PWD provides essential financial support, many people still face high costs for rent, food, transportation, and daily living. Earning additional income through part-time work or self-employment can improve quality of life and financial independence.
This approach recognizes that disability-related costs remain high and that many individuals want to contribute to their communities while still receiving necessary supports.
The Kamloops Self Advocate Newsletter Example
The Kamloops Self Advocate Newsletter is an example of self-employment led by self-advocates. It provides information on disability issues, inclusion, mental health, and community resources.
Through this work, self-advocates can earn income while developing skills in writing, communication, leadership, and advocacy. It also helps the community better understand disability and inclusion through lived experience.
Housing, Poverty, and Community Supports
Many people with disabilities are affected by the rising cost of housing and the risk of poverty or homelessness. This is why community housing programs and non-profits are so important.
In Kamloops, the Kamloops and District Elizabeth Fry Society plays an important role in providing safe, affordable housing and support services. They operate multiple affordable housing buildings with subsidized and supportive units for women, families, and people facing barriers such as poverty, violence, or housing insecurity. These housing programs work alongside BC Housing to help provide stable and affordable homes in the community.
Elizabeth Fry Society is one example of a non-profit supporting housing in Kamloops, but similar Elizabeth Fry Societies exist in many communities across Canada. These organizations share a common mission of supporting people facing housing instability, justice system involvement, and social barriers.
Alongside housing supports, food security services are also essential. Food banks, soup kitchens, and community organizations help people access groceries and meals when money is limited. In Kamloops, organizations such as The Mustard Seed provide meals, outreach, and support for people experiencing poverty or homelessness.
These services are especially important for people living on fixed incomes, including those receiving disability assistance.
Building Inclusive Communities
The goal of disability assistance is not only financial support, but also inclusion, dignity, and participation in community life. Supporting self-employed self-advocates, inclusive employment, housing programs, and community services helps build a stronger and more inclusive society.
Everyone deserves the opportunity to live with dignity, have safe housing, access nutritious food, and participate in meaningful work. By supporting disability benefits, self-employment opportunities, housing providers, and community services, British Columbia continues working toward a future where everyone belongs.
