People in Kamloops and across B.C. and homeless prevention advocates across the country are expressing condolences over the passing of Katherine McParland.
McParland died unexpectedly on Friday night, although a cause has not been announced. She was in her early 30s.
As the executive director of the non-profit, A Way Home Kamloops, McParland was a fierce advocate for preventing youth homelessness in Kamloops and elsewhere, with a mission of making sure every young person had a chance in life.
She spearheaded the creation of the first-of-its-kind youth homeless count in 2015, and led the opening of Safe Suites last winter for vulnerable teenagers and young adults. She also led the annual Camp Out to End Youth Homelessness; this year’s edition will be happening on Friday.
McParland, a former homeless youth herself at one point, graduated with a Masters in Social Work from Thompson Rivers University four years ago. She was a board member with BC Housing and was part of the federal government’s advisory committee on homelessness. She also co-founded and was the co-chair of the BC Coalition to End Youth Homelessness.
Tim Richter, president of the Canadian Alliance to End Homelessness, says he worked with McParland on the federal homelessness advisory committee and says he is gutted to hear of her passing.
“It takes a really special person to overcome the challenges she did and then dedicate her life to helping others; a road that must often have been hard and re-traumatizing, yet she persisted and became a powerful and highly effective advocate,” Richter said, on twitter.
“She made sure the voices of homeless young people were heard in halls of power, forced us all to pay attention and worked tirelessly in her community to end homelessness.”
Alfred Achoba, the acting executive director of the Canadian Mental Health Association’s Kamloops branch, says McParland was “the best advocate Kamloops had” and also a good friend.
“Your legacy lives on through the people you impacted including myself and the many times we spent working together,” Achoba said.
Both local MLAs, Kamloops-North member Peter Milobar and Kamloops-South member Todd Stone, took to Twitter after McParland’s unexpected passing.
“She was so passionate about our vulnerable populations, especially marginalized and homeless youth. A dynamic and promising life ends far too short,” Stone said.
In a statement, David Eby, B.C.’s Attorney General and Housing Minister say McParland was a compassionate fighter who never shyed away from the tough issues.
“She drew on her own lived experiences, as a child who grew up in the foster care system and experienced extensive periods of homelessness, in serving as a commissioner on BC Housing’s board,” he said. “Her knowledge was invaluable in supporting our work to address homelessness while supporting people.”
The vice president of communications for BC Housing, Sara Goldvine, says McParland leaves a lasting legacy.
“Let’s honour her memory by carrying on her fight to achieve justice for youth aging out of care, too often into homelessness,” she noted.
I’m gutted to hear of the passing of Katherine McParland. I met her on a federal homelessness committee where she was a persuasive, determined & powerful presence / 1https://t.co/Tzui6MOnyt
— Tim Richter (@timrichter) December 7, 2020
Today, I heard the news that my good friend Katherine Mcparland passed away. I am not sure how I feel today and the days to come. But know, that I am truly sad for losing my friend and the best advocate Kamloops had.
— Alfred Achoba (@alfredachoba) December 6, 2020
I’m so sorry to hear of this unexpected loss. Katherine McParland was a young caring, advocate for youth homelessness prevention in the community and her loss will be significantly felt throughout the Kamloops region. My thoughts are with those grieving. https://t.co/4AvINGGMiR
— Peter Milobar (@PeterMilobar) December 6, 2020
I’m still reeling. Katherine McParland blazed brightly, and she leaves a lasting legacy.
Let’s honour her memory by carrying on her fight to achieve justice for youth aging out of care, too often into homelessness.
Rest in power, Katherine.#kamloops #bcpoli https://t.co/NRLawVhjTj
— Sara Goldvine (@saragoldvine) December 7, 2020
BC Housing is mourning the loss of Katherine McParland, a member of our Board of Commissioners. A tireless advocate to end youth homelessness, Katherine created A Way Home Kamloops and co-chaired the BC Coalition to End Youth Homelessness. https://t.co/BTmC9tG9bB pic.twitter.com/oZel8LsP7B
— BC Housing (@BC_Housing) December 7, 2020
