This text tells the story of behind the founding of a homelessness charity - but it’s also much more than that. It also serves a reflection on the place of social witness of Christians in England today - and asks the often-uncomfortable question, how far could we individually go to making a contribution to ending homelessness? The author reminds us that it is in the dispossessed, the homeless that so many of the stories and parables of the New Testament tell us that Christ can and will be found.

The author gives us a selection of stories - and not all of them are victories. He gives us a glimpse into the challenging work of helping those who are homeless and later, those who are refugees - and nothing is sugar-coated. Romanticism is cast aside, and the defeats endured are named and admitted. But the reader can never forget that it is with people, not policies and numbers that the author is primarily devoted to. His enthusiasm flows off every page, and indeed is infectious. I plan to make a donation to their work after reading this.

The book is a challenge, but the author writes assured that the churches' faith in the UK - and the promise of God - is more than enough to compensate for this challenge. “The homeless need somewhere to live, someone to love, and be loved by and something to do. It’s as simple and complex as that.” Again and again, the author brings us gently back to the promise of holistic aid - that just as we are complex, so are those who are helped. Attaining their full humanity and full potential is a high calling for any organisation. Still, the author reminds us this is the fundamental call of not just a charity, but for the Kingdom of God.

One of the book's constant themes is the danger of the saviour complex - the imbalance of power between those who come for assistance, and those who can offer it. The author writes powerfully regarding the importance of building relationships - and that this is no quick or easy task - and the importance of listening to the stories of those who come to them, perhaps letting their story be told for the first time. The power of addiction and the long term impact of living in care are illustrated. The difference between shame vs guilt is explored. He also highlights the dangers of referring - as some often do, and perhaps I have myself - to the 'last, least and lost.'

“Meaning in life can actually be found in the shadows and in the lives that others rush past while trying to win their way in life. When we create time to listen to those in the margins of society, life can be put into perspective.”

I honestly didn’t expect to enjoy this book or to be so challenged by it, but I have already bought a copy to give to a colleague.