The purpose of this paper is to explore relational (inclusive) & reductionist (exclusionary) interpretations of 'tolerance' with regard to homelessness, a prominent example of social & economic inequality. The paper examines these notions through three scalar lenses -- a national, statist perspective; a locally situated but neo-liberal perspective based on newspaper reporting; & a locally situated activist orientation -- & considers their gendered & human rights implications. Conceptual & theoretical connections are made between neo-liberal globalism, urbanism & tolerance.