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Edwards is a retired aerospace engineer and manager who volunteered to help the homeless after his wife encouraged him to do so. His mission, along with many others, was to create a permanent shelter for those in need in California, but politics got in the way and shut it down in 2013. The shelter was known as Hangtown Haven. The author's account is split into chapters about the volunteers, photos of those who have been helped by the United Outreach (previously known as Hangtown Haven Inc.), and various presentations that were sent to El Dorado County officials. It also includes Edwards’ short autobiography and how he was born during the Great Depression. According to Edwards, the program that was created for the shelter had no taxpayer help.
The shelter's closing isn’t the only issue that impacts Edwards and the United Outreach volunteers. In fact, it’s just one of many. Another program they worked with was the Marshall Hospital, which ended within a year, even though it was considered a success. The narrative makes it clear that there are people out there who have good ideas for social issues, but they get crushed because of money, the higher-ups, and other adversaries. If it isn’t funding that gets cut, it’s politicians who want to sweep the homelessness problem under the rug. Edwards’ story is heartbreaking, but it’s also encouraging to know that there are people out there who want to help change things for the better. Edwards declares at the end of his book that he won’t retire until he can create another shelter like Hangtown Haven. His dedication will undoubtedly impress readers, and the story Edwards chronicles will possibly inspire others who are concerned about the homeless to take action.
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