Exploring the (bio)political dimensions of voluntarism and care in the city: The case of a 'low barrier' emergency shelter

This paper explores the nature of voluntary sector 'spaces of care.' In particular, the paper is concerned with spaces of care that have been established in response to urban homelessness. These include service environments such as emergency shelters, drop-in centres, and soup kitchens. Renowned for being health affirming, these environments also function as important political spaces in the city. One site in particular, a low-barrier emergency shelter, is examined in detail. This site's political significance is traced to the way in which it partakes in boundary work by defining who is worthy of support, who is to count as a citizen and which lives matter. This interpretation has important implications for how we understand the relationship between the health of marginalized populations, voluntary welfare provision and the state.