The religious experience of homeless people who use drugs in the city of Porto – Portugal

Based on data generated from an ethnographic exploration conducted in Portugal, this article examines religious expression among homeless people who use drugs in the city of Porto. The article addresses elements of religiosity that often go unnoticed amidst the social and psychological vulnerabilities present in areas where substance use takes place. The homeless people inhabit spaces of exclusion, places that belong to everyone and no one. These liminal settings can give rise to unique forms of religious expressions and interpretations. In these marginal contexts, religiosity often emerges as one of the few constants in the lives of these individuals, offering a sense of subjective protection that can foster stability and a degree of personal control. However, this feeling of subjective protection may also function as a risk factor by producing a false sense of security in situations with a high risk of communicable diseases and overdose.