I did not find reading this book was a pleasant or comfortable experience, and yet I was drawn onwards by the sheer pathos of the unfolding story. It tells how, twenty years ago, the pastor of a Baptist church in Leeds, founded an organisation to help the homeless. ‘Caring for Life’, as the charity was named, was formed to give help and hope to vulnerable people by promising them support that would last for life or as long as they wanted or needed it. This long term commitment comes at great cost to the staff and volunteers who keep pressing on to their goal against terrible odds. It is searingly honest about the battles and failures they have faced , and yet despite it all ‘Caring for Life’ has an outstanding record: year on year over 90 per cent of those in its care have avoided re-offending or returning to homelessness. A worthwhile, though disturbing, read.

The warts and all story of the first 20 years of Caring for Life a Christian charity caring for homeless and vunerable people in Leeds. Dont read this book if you think you show enough of the love of Jesus to your fellow man.