Group of homeless men open ‘Band Office’ on vacant lot and welcome others

A group of four homeless men have opened what they call, a band office on a vacant lot in the 1800 Block of Osler Street.

There is no official office building or organization but the group has given out titles and rankings like any other council would.

The band office is called “Urban All Nation” because they said anyone in need of community, is welcome.

The group said they feel a sense of community, and living together is safety in numbers.

“Some people aren’t qualified to get on social assistance, so come here then. If you’re not qualified or whatever, you’re more than welcome to come here,” Vice-Chief of Urban All Nation, Harley Klippenstine said.

“Chill out or hang out or whatever.”

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The unofficial band office is right next the Salvation Army, but they said that’s just a coincidence.

The group was very clear to say they are not mad and they are not protesting anything. The vacant lot just happened to be located next to the shelter.

“I am a homeless man staying beside a homeless men’s shelter, but it costs money to stay there though,” Klippenstine said.

The undeveloped lot is actually managed by Impark. The first tent went up in May. The group said they haven’t been bothered yet.

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“Impark has their little security people that walk around watching their parking lots but they’ve never said anything about this one, probably just because it’s not developed yet,” Klippenstine said.

They received plenty of donations and said they drop extra food and blankets off to Souls Harbour or Carmichael Outreach.

A man by the name of “Too-Short” is one of the four men who lives at the site.

“We’re still improving, still getting donations every day,” Too-Short said.