Sweden and the other Nordic countries have come to represent a particular type of social democratic, universal welfare state in literature on social policy. Much of the more recent literature however documents research into how these countries have diverged from the Nordic welfare model. Our study adds to this recent literature. What we find is that a new social landscape is emerging for some of the most marginalised groups of people in Sweden. By studying eight charitable organisations, the Swedish City Missions, we have identified a new role and a new level of responsibility for this type of organisation in Sweden.