Since launching local estate agency EweMove just over two years ago, owners Mike and Rachel Bailey have been committed to giving back to their local community. The award-winning duo decided to become firm friends and supporters of House of Bread – a charity close to their hearts – and Mike and Rachel have been true to their word ever since.

In their partnership with House of Bread, a charity dedicated to providing food, friendship, advice, and support to vulnerable and homeless people, Mike and Rachel have made a real impact on those in need in Stafford and the surrounding areas. Donating unwanted but perfectly useable furniture from house moves to the charity, the pair have raised thousands yearly to support House of Bread’s work and also donate a percentage of each property sale to the charity.

“When we initially launched in 2021, we sat down and asked ourselves what do we want our business to look like?” said Rachel Bailey, co-owner of EweMove. “We didn’t want to be a run-of-the-mill agent known only for sales and lettings – we wanted to make a real impact on the community and to use our business as a force for good. We sat down with Will from House of Bread and their values seemed to really align with ours. We all care about going the extra mile and providing disadvantaged people with a safe place – as an estate agent that puts our community first, we’re firm believers and drivers of the charity’s mission.”

Established in 2010, Stafford charity House of Bread was founded on the belief that everyone from every walk of life deserves to have a place they can call home. They provide support to vulnerable and homeless people in and around Stafford, hosting drop-in sessions, activities, organising food banks, toiletry banks and clothing banks, supporting people with finding housing and running Cafe43, a ‘safe space’ meeting place for anyone who needs it.

Mike and Rachel’s support comes in a variety of ways: as estate agents, they donate the unwanted furnishings from properties to the charity for use in crisis shelters, temporary housing and permanent homes – items which would have otherwise ended up in landfill. When people are placed in crisis shelters, often they aren’t given the means to live and aren’t provided with cutlery, crockery or even a bed. EweMove and House of Bread’s work allows people with little or no possessions to feel properly at home, providing those home comforts others may take for granted.

Through various fundraising activities, Mike and Rachel also raise thousands to support the charity’s work, which includes things such as their annual ‘reverse advent calendar’ for which Mike and his online followers donate one item each day in December – resulting in a major collection on Christmas Eve. The duo also donate a percentage of each property sale directly to the charity, which last year alone amounted to well over £1,500.

“We’re really happy to have been able to help out with goods and donations so far, but we want to do a lot more so House of Bread can develop and thrive,” added Mike. “It’s our intention to continue supporting them in their incredible work with the local community, helping more vulnerable people to find a safe and comfortable place to live.”

“Through their work as estate agents, Mike and Rachel have a real insight into property matters, so fully appreciate the struggles confronting people unable to find a home,” said Will Morris, founder and director of House of Bread. “When we started our mission to help the local community back in 2010, we were told we wouldn’t last 18 months. So, to be where we are nearly 14 years later is a testament to the hard work and commitment of our team – we really value the help from our dedicated friends such as Mike and Rachel. Their compassion and commitment for people from all walks of life is making a real difference – long may it continue.”