Argus Residence for Young People, Cambridge
Argus Residence for Young People is a registered charity based in Cambridge, Ontario, that works with young people who are homeless or at risk of losing their housing. It serves youth across Waterloo Region. The Cambridge Now business directory listed it in 2006 under child and youth services, social service agencies and self-help support groups.
Quick facts
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Type | Charity |
| Location | Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario |
| Focus | Youth homelessness |
| Social enterprise | Uptown Thrift |
| Website | argusresidence.ca |
What it does
According to its own website, Argus provides round-the-clock homelessness prevention and shelter diversion for youth in crisis. The site describes food, shelter and ongoing staff support, along with a voluntary life-skills program meant to help young people return to community life. It reports that its prevention and diversion work reaches about 5,000 people a year.
Programs named on the site include FirstConnect, the Youth Employment Skills Strategy, Bridges for Youth, a transitional shelter called Foyer, and a Social Micro Hub. The organization also holds a fundraising event called Wine & Roses.
Uptown Thrift
Argus runs Uptown Thrift as a social enterprise. The site says all sales proceeds go to supportive employment for youth in need. The store is also the organization's retail presence in the community.
What the old directory listing said
The 2006 listing described a supportive, cooperative living environment for youth aged 16 to 24. It covered basic needs and a life-skills and independent-living component, with an emphasis on personal responsibility. The listing gave separate contacts for a men's and a women's residence. The current site does not repeat the age range or that arrangement, so treat them as a snapshot of the mid-2000s.
Place in Cambridge
Several agencies deliver youth housing support in Waterloo Region. An ok2bme.ca article on LGBTQ youth homelessness names Argus, for ages 16 to 24, alongside two other local shelters.
Frequently asked questions
What is Argus Residence for Young People? A Cambridge, Ontario charity that supports youth experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
Who does it serve? Youth in Waterloo Region. Its website gives no age range, though the 2006 listing said 16 to 24.
What is Uptown Thrift? A social enterprise run by Argus whose sales proceeds fund employment support for youth.
Does it offer employment programs? Its website lists the Youth Employment Skills Strategy and Bridges for Youth.
Sources
Argus Residence for Young People official website (argusresidence.ca); Cambridge Now business directory listing, 2006 Wayback Machine snapshot; ok2bme.ca article on LGBTQ homelessness in Kitchener, Waterloo and Cambridge.