Identity work within a faith based homeless shelter
by Reynolds, Janet, M.A., NORTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY, 2009, 41 pages; 1473823

Abstract:

The study of homeless identity work has been confined to persons living on the streets. Little data explores how homeless persons conduct identity work within a shelter environment. In this study, 37 semi-structured interviews with homeless shelter guests, shelter volunteers, and shelter staff were conducted within a faith-based shelter to uncover how identity work is managed. It was found that the shelter serves as a site for identity work for all actors within the shelter. Staff create an identity of authority over and expertise about homeless guests. Volunteers utilize the shelter to build their identity as ministers of faith and community contributors while homeless persons first resist the homeless identity and then are forced to reify that very identity because of the barriers imposed by volunteers and staff. These findings are meaningful. Restricting the identity work of homeless persons may serve to extend homelessness and impose physical and psychological harm.
 
AdviserKristen Myers
SchoolNORTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY
SourceMAI/ 48-04, p. , Feb 2010
Source TypeThesis
SubjectsPublic policy
Publication Number1473823
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