360°kids is a 5-star charity. It is financially transparent and has an above-average results reporting grade and overhead costs within Ci’s reasonable range.

360°kids was founded in 1987 as two separate organizations: Markham Neighbourhood Support Centre and Youth Housing Markham. After the two entities merged in 1998, the charity was renamed 360°kids Support Services. 360°kids provides a wide range of services in York, ON that combat youth homelessness and help homeless youth rebuild their lives.

360°kids assists youth facing housing instability through four main programs: Housing, Education, Employment, and Health & Well-Being. In F2022, 360°kids served 1,476 youth. The charity does not provide a spending breakdown by its programs.

Housing: This program offers youth a variety of services that address their housing needs. 360°kids provides emergency, transitional, and longer-term housing, as well as specific housing for survivors of human trafficking. One of its services, Nightstop, connects young people with volunteers who have a spare bedroom for short-term stays. The HOPE program houses and supports females aged 16-26 who are survivors of human trafficking. Among its housing programs, 360°kids provided youth with 17,585 bed nights off the streets. In F2022, this program helped a total of 141 youths.

Education: This service helps homeless youth return to school through the iGrad program. In partnership with the York Region District School Board, students work towards earning a high school diploma by completing online courses. Although the courses are online, participants can access computers and support from a teacher during school hours. In F2022, 43 youths enrolled in the iGrad program. 360°kids also provided $26,900 in scholarships to youth.

Employment: As 75% of homeless youth in Ontario are unemployed, this program supports adolescents in securing work. 360°kids provides pre-employment training on budgeting, stress management, communication, and conflict resolution. Training may also include employment certification courses: Smart Serve, WHMIS, food handling, and first aid/CPR. Participants are then matched with employers and continue to receive support while working. In F2022, the charity provided 604 employment workshops and served 431 youths.

Health and Well-Being: Additional wellness and support services provide participants with access to recreational opportunities, counseling, and healthy meals. In F2022, the charity provided 571 formal counseling sessions and 1,371 life skills workshops to 1,476 youths.

In F2022, 360°kids received donations of $4.3m. The charity also received $8.0m in government funding, representing 64% of revenues. Administrative costs are 5% of revenues, and fundraising costs are 6% of donations. This results in overhead spending of 11%. For every dollar donated, 89 cents go to the cause, which is within Ci’s reasonable range for overhead spending.

360°kids has $4.3m in reserve funds, once the $20k mortgage is accounted for. The charity could cover 47% or nearly six months of its annual program costs with its reserves.

This charity profile is an update that has been sent to 360°kids for review. Changes and edits may be forthcoming.

Updated on July 17, 2023 by Krystie Nguyen.