Not to be blunt, but from experience with alcoholics do NOT let him move in. It will be harder than you think. His drinking is sure to affect the relationship with not only him but your husband. He needs to go into a place and get help and needs therapy on his physical abuse. What if it happends to you? You have to protect yourself. I hope if you do take him in- it does work out for you, but if he has been this way for awhile it is not going to change just because you guys try to help! i do wish you the best, but do consider other options for the safety of your well being and your marriage. A diffcult situation to take on. Just remember there is a reason no one wants him to live with them.

Thanks for the concern; I grew up with an abusive alcoholic, and I know how to fight. I've taken numerous self deffense courses, and I can totally hold my own in a fight.
Part of me wishes he'd try that on me, because I know I'd put him in his plcae. His wife if very frail, and has never had to fight before; she did very well when push came to shove... but that's beside the point.

I want to help him clean up his life... he's a good person when he's sober.

I know, that I should probably know better. Being that I grew up around this, and my father has never changed... I guess I'm just a sucker for family.

I have always tried to believe in second chances, but once a bridge is burnt with me, there's no rebuilding it.

NO... you can't make the experience pleasant nor should you. He needs to be in rehab. Find a rehab center and give him the number. If it were me I'd give him 48 hours to find somewhere to go.
I don't mean to sound harsh, but why is this your problem?

I *absolutely* agree with mgs1. This guy belongs in rehab, NOW! You are not doing him any favors letting him move in, you're just enabling him to stay in denial....which, as we all know, is a whole lot more than a river in Egypt!