Housing
About Us
Ensuring Every Kid Matters
YOUTH HOMELESSNESS
In Canada, youths aged 13 to 24 constitute about 20% of the homeless population, with a yearly average of 35,000 to 40,000 experiencing some form of homelessness. Within York Region, the more recent data suggests, approximately 1 in 7 homeless individuals are young people, constituting 14% of the homeless population (1). However, the true scale of this issue may be underestimated due to pandemic-related challenges. Many youths might have avoided shelters due to reduced capacities. This issue is compounded by the fact that around 80% of homeless people in Canada remain uncounted in official tallies, suggesting that the actual number of homeless youths could be significantly higher than reported (2).
Understanding Youth
Homelessness in York Region
Demographics, Unique Struggles and
Contributing Factors
Growth in LGBTQ2S+ Youth Homelessness
- 27% of homeless youth in York Region identify as LGBTQ2S+, much higher than the 5-10% among the general Canadian youth population.
- Family Conflicts and financial issues are two common Often related to drugs and sexual orientation, these conflicts contribute significantly to youth homelessness.
Indigenous and Racialized Communities
- With less than 1% of Indigenous population and 3% of Black population in York Region, there is a disproportionate number of these groups reported in homelessness statistics
- Between 20%-30% of homeless youth identify as Black
- 30.6% of homeless youth in Canada are Indigenous.
- 28.2% belong to racialized communities.
Cognitive and Mental Health Issues
- 58% report cognitive or intellectual challenges.
- 81% struggle with mental health problems.
Marginalization
These statistics highlight the disproportionate impact on marginalized groups.
DURATION OF HOMELESSNESS
- 42% of homeless youth in York Region experienced homelessness for six months or more moving these individuals to chronic homelessness
Unaffordability, Financial Difficulties and High Rent
- 62% of homeless Youth cite high rent as a key factor
- Rising numbers of postsecondary students accessed food banks in 2022, highlighting financial difficulties and a potential link between higher education and homelessness.
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Our History
Where it all began…
360ºkids began over 35 years ago as two separate agencies that were developed to address the needs of the communities of York Region. The Markham Neighbourhood Support Centre was created to respond to the needs of young families with children who sought support and ways to learn about childrearing
Youth Housing Markham provided safe and supportive housing for youth who could no longer live at home. A volunteer committee worked to create two residential homes that would support 13 homeless youth. These two agencies eventually amalgamated in 1998 to form Pathways for Children, Youth and Families of York Region Inc. The organization continued to offer programs and supports to both families and their children and to homeless and at-risk youth in York Region for 15 more years.
The Name…
In 2013 the organization was selected to deliver programs and support services to unhoused youth in the new Richmond Hill Hub being built by the Regional Municipality of York in Richmond Hill, Ontario. This new role, along with a variety of other new program initiatives, motivated the organization to change its name to 360°kids.
The name 360ºkids refers to the comprehensive approach that the organization takes to assisting at-risk youth and surrounding them with care, recognizing that these kids need a wide range of supports to help them rebuild their lives.
Our Mission
To prevent homelessness by helping youth at risk or in crisis transition to a state of safety and stability
Our Values
All kids deserve access to a safe home. 360°kids now serves over 2,500 youth each year, from every municipality in York Region
Other Ways to Get Involved
Volunteering & Dates
Become a VolunteerCorporate Groups Give Program
Help with GIVE programYouth Ambassador Program
Help With Ambassador Program