ABSTRACT
The article deals with the mobilization of those at the lower end of the of the social stratification strata – homeless people. Research suggests that homeless people are the least likely to mobilize as they lack fundamental resources (material and ideational) for mobilization. The paper focuses on two movements in Brazil – the Brazilian National Movement of the Homeless and the National Movement of Recyclable Materials Collectors in order to show how these movements were able to tackle problems of lack of company, precarious work, lack of identity documents, no use of assistance programs, experience of violence and discrimination. The study shows that build upon existing civil society structures cooperating with various movements related to their main issues and using allies but also funding from state programs was very crucial in building and maintaining organizational structures supporting homeless mobilization. This support was also important for building up local leadership by organizing qualification and by inviting homeless people to participate in political activities so they learn by doing.
