Housing
Media Release Empowering Black Youth: Research Findings on Housing Needs from 360°Kids
Markham, ON – On Tuesday, June 4, 2024, we at 360°kids welcomed members of the community and media to hear the findings of our research report: Understanding Black Youth Homelessness to Inform a Comprehensive Housing Model.
This report was developed as part of an initiative by 360°kids to build a culturally relevant transitional home for Black youth navigating homelessness in York Region. After forming a Community Advisory Committee consisting of members of several organizations serving Black youth and families, LogicalOutcomes, a Toronto-based non-profit consultancy, was contracted to undertake the research. This research investigated the experiences of Black youth in order to inform our development of a culturally specific transitional housing program.
Finding affordable and suitable housing is a significant challenge faced by young people in York Region. Beyond long waitlists and short supply, youth, especially young Black individuals, with limited income and/or no rental history have little to no chance of finding a safe and suitable apartment. “It is because of this disparity that 360°kids has focused on creating more housing opportunities for young people to access, aiming to address the systemic challenges faced by marginalized communities” says Clovis Grant, CEO 360°kids.
The report includes supporting research that highlights the importance of providing intentional supports and services to Black youth. Despite the Black population in York Region accounting for only 3% of the total population, our programs frequently observe a significant overrepresentation of Black youth experiencing homelessness, ranging from 10% to as high as 40%. “The report reminds us that anti-Black racism is having real impacts on young people and their families, contributing to their homelessness, as well as, exacerbating the trauma it creates. The report also stresses the importance of having culturally affirming supports and a space for healing to interrupt the impact of anti-Black racism in the lives of unhoused Black youth if we are to prevent homelessness” says Clovis Grant, CEO 360°kids
As an organization rooted in a prevention model, we view this research as a guidepost to inform the development of supports that are intentionally tailored and culturally appropriate. 360°kids has already acquired the house and the next phase will be renovating the home to suit the needs of the planned program model that will be part of our Transitions Program.
The Transitions Program supports the developmental needs of young people by providing them with stable and affordable housing for an extended period. This model provides the youth with the opportunity to be engaged in employment, training or educational pursuits. The youth start off by paying a small portion of the rental costs, with funders subsidizing the balance. Then gradually, over 3 years, the rent increases to where the youth is fully financially independent and working towards paying market rent. “Our goal is not to get youth housed temporarily and move them again. Our goal is to get kids housed, teach them the independent living skills they need and help them get up to what’s affordable in market rent and to be able to live fully independently in a supportive way,” said Bonnie Harkness, COO, 360°kids. During their time in
the Transitions Program, youth are matched with a Program Coordinator that assists them in accessing necessary resources and life-skills supports to help them achieve their goals.
About 360°kids:
360°kids is a Canadian charity that provides support services for youth at risk or experiencing homelessness in York Region. Established in 1989, 360°kids has transformed from a youth housing provider, to a comprehensive support agency that offers wrap-around services in four key pillars: Housing, Employment, Education and Well-Being. The organization’s mission is to prevent homelessness by helping youth at risk or in crisis transition to a state of safety and stability. Awarded 5 star rating from Charity Intelligence and recognized as one of Canada’s Top 100 Charities in 2023.
Acknowledgements and Quotes:
Thank you to United Way Greater Toronto and the Government of Canada for funding this initiative through the Reaching Home: Canada’s Homelessness Strategy, a project of 360°kids. We also wish to recognize the valuable contributions of the members of our Black Youth Housing Community Advisory Committee (CAC) who have shared their expertise and best practices in assisting Black youth and their families. Above all, we express our deep appreciation to the youth and service providers who have played a pivotal role in producing this research report.
Quote from Ginelle Skerritt, CEO York Region Children’s Aid Society and Black Youth Housing Community Advisory Committee Member.
“People of African descent, their lands and resources, have played a critical role in the economic and social progress of civilization. Our success in supporting Black youth in crisis is a shared responsibility. This project is significant because the intergenerational impacts of Anti-Black Racism and oppression on our people repeatedly show that Black youth are experiencing poor outcomes in all areas related to established well-being indicators and measures. Housing precarity is a key indicator that we are focused on because of the experiences of Black youth and York Children’s Aid Society enthusiastically supports the advancement of this preventative solution.”
Quote from Jerisha Grant-Hall, Chairperson and Founder of Newmarket African Caribbean Canadian Association (NACCA) and Black Youth Housing Community Advisory Committee Member.
“As a dedicated cycle breaker, researcher and advocate for equitable outcomes for Black youth and families, I am honored to contribute to this pioneering Black youth housing project in York Region. This initiative addresses a critical need for tailored research that highlights the unique challenges faced by Black youth in securing safe and affordable housing—a fundamental social determinant of health. Our goal is not merely to illuminate these issues but also to provide actionable recommendations that will foster inclusive and sustainable housing solutions. By addressing these housing disparities, we aim to empower Black youth, increase their overall well-being and strengthen our communities for generations to come.”
Acknowledgement:
Thank you to United Way Greater Toronto and the Government of Canada for funding this initiative through the Reaching Home: Canada’s Homelessness Strategy, a project of 360°kids. We also wish to recognize the valuable contributions of the members of our Black Youth Housing Community Advisory Committee (CAC) who have shared their expertise and best practices in assisting Black youth and their families. Above all, we express our deep appreciation to the youth and service providers who have played a pivotal role in producing this research report.
Members of the CAC
Bonnie Harkness
Clovis Grant
Cordelia Abankwa
Dagma Koyi
Debbie Thompson
Fitzroy Gordon
Ginelle Skerritt
Travonne Edwards
Neil Price
Olawale Olubowale
Medha Aurora
Taeja McKoy
Tameika Shaw
Evelyn Amponsah
Jerisha Grant-Hall
Josie Rose
Lee Miller
Nathan Okonta
Ryan Holford
Shernett Martin
Full Report: https://www.360kids.ca/about-us/publications/
Media Contact:
Dina Singh, Marketing and Communications Manager 360°kids
(289)383-6687