Homeless charity, Hope 4 Havering opens new shop, The Treasure Box, in Romford

Becky Spicer is a manager of the Hope for Havering charity shop, but it is a real family effort because her whole family is involved in the charity. Friend Charlotte Saunders, Becky Spicer and mum Angie Spicer outside the shop (Image: Archant)

The 23-year-old has just been appointed as the manager of Hope 4 Havering’s new charity shop The Treasure Box, in North Street, Romford.

“I have got a big heart, particularly for homeless people, she said.

“I want to help them and listen to them and just overall care for them.”

You don’t have to look very far to see where Becky got her caring nature from.

Her whole family-right down to her parents and siblings are involved in the charity.

She said: “My dad Gary is a lead volunteer at the night shelter on a Wednesday and my mum, Angela, is in charge of the night shelter on a Friday.

“My brother Luke is the leader co ordinator of the charity and my other brother, Adam, works as a social worker at the charity.”

She added: “We have all got big hearts and want to help people.

“We have been through a lot as a family and we have managed to overcome everything.

“We now feel that we are reaping the fruits of our rewards by helping these people.”

Their kindness seems to have no limits.

Last year, the Recorder reported on the family taking in a pregnant woman who had been made homeless during Christmas.

The woman, who was in the late stages of her pregnancy had spent her first night at the Havering Christian Fellowship Centre, before Luke offered her a place at his home.

Almost 18 months on, the woman and her baby have been welcomed fully into the family.

“I can’t imagine life without her and the baby, said Becky.

“She is like my sister and I always introduce her as my sister.”

But these are much more than random acts of kindness.

“I am a Christian and I feel that I am a disciple of Jesus, she explains.

“Jesus told people to heal the broken hearted and help them, I feel that I am being just like Jesus in caring and helping people.”

She added: “I grew up watching my parents opening their door to people.

“They would invite people into their home and cook for them and they always became like family more than friends.”

Becky got involved in Hope 4 Havering 18 months ago and she admits that like many people she had lots of misconceptions about the homeless.

“I always had perceptions of homeless people being bums, but they are just normal people who need to be loved and want people to listen to them.”

She started off doing administration work and volunteering at the homeless shelter, until a month ago when she was asked to take on the role of manager at the charity’s first shop.

She said: “It was very overwhelming because I had never done a managerial role before, but I am so happy.”

It was Becky who came up with the unique name of the shop.

“Sometimes when you go into a charity shop, you find rare treasures.

“We have got lots of things inside and they are very rare.”

Becky is appealing for clothes and items to sell in the shop. The charity also runs a bike repair workshop and are looking for old bikes.

For more about the charity, visit www.hope4havering.org