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Empowering homeless youth
By Parsa Navidi on Mar 25, 2025 in Giving
Every young person deserves a safe place to call home, a community to support them and a future filled with possibility. Yet, too many youth in Canada face homelessness and instability. That’s where 360°kids comes in. This York Region-based organization provides life-changing youth homelessness support, helping young people find security and hope.\
A safety net for at-risk youth
Since 1989, 360°kids has been a vital resource for young people experiencing homelessness or crisis. From emergency housing and meals to life skills training, mental health support and job readiness programs, the organization provides a holistic approach to empowering youth. Their mission? To help kids not just get off the streets — but stay off.
Through case management, education and mentorship programs, 360°kids builds a foundation for independence. Whether it’s teaching financial literacy, job search strategies or self-esteem building, their programs are designed to equip young people with the tools they need to thrive.
Transforming lives, one story at a time
The impact of 360°kids is best told through the lives they change.
Former resident Andrea shared, “Until 360°kids intervened, I was on a path of self-destruction. I am certain I would have dropped out of school and/or committed suicide had I not been given the opportunity to live at 360°kids. Establishing meaningful relationships with staff and residents saved my life.”
Andrea’s journey is a testament to the life-changing impact of 360°kids — turning despair into hope and uncertainty into opportunity, ensuring that every young person has the support they need to rise, rebuild and reclaim their future.
How Yardi helps 360°kids make a difference
Yardi is proud to support 360°kids in its mission to transform young lives. Funding from Yardi helps the organization provide essential services, including emergency housing, meals, life skills training and mental health support. These contributions ensure that youth have access to the resources they need to transition to stable, independent living.
“I don’t know what I would’ve done if it wasn’t for 360°kids and their donors. They helped me find a safe and warm place to stay, and helped me find a job that I am loving today,” said Daniel, a 360°kids program participant.
Share your skills, change a life
“Volunteers are the heart of what we do. Their time and dedication help create lasting change in the lives of youth who need it most,” said Angela Spadafora, senior corporate and foundations partnerships associate at 360°kids.
360°kids welcomes volunteers to share their expertise and make a difference. Whether you’re a barber, chef, financial planner or job coach, your skills can empower youth to build independence. The organization also offers team-building GIVE days — hands-on opportunities for companies to engage in meaningful community work.
Interested in volunteering? Contact volunteer coordinator Shanta Sundarason at 416-575-3152 to learn how you can support the next generation.
At Yardi, we believe in giving back to the communities where we live and work. Youth homelessness support matters because every young person deserves a future they can believe in.
For more about our philanthropic initiatives, visit www.yardi.org.
