New Jersey woman gives away her home in contest to help the homeless

Jet, March 7, 1994

Cynthia Bracy of Plainfield, NJ, is offering her $180,000 two-story home as prize to the person who wins an essay contest on "How I Can Help Homelessness."

Bracy tried selling her 15-year-old home for almost a year and a half before she came up with the idea to give it away in an effort to tackle homelessness.

The contest, which is already underway, will run until June 1. Contestants must be at least 18 years old to enter.

A maximum of 5,000 entries will be accepted, Bracy said. In the event that fewer than 3,000 entries are received, the contest will be void, she told Jet. Contestants need only send a $100 entry fee and their 250-word essay.

The essays will be judged by a panel of three to five people on originality, creativity and sincerity.

The winner will be announced between July 1 and August 15.

Bracy already has received from 50 to 100 inquiries about the contest and about 25 essays, she said.

"I'm hoping that we'll receive creative and imaginative ideas that state and local officials have not yet considered," she said. "I would be thrilled if a homeless person won the contest."

Interested persons may call (908) 753-4703 to get a recording which gives more information about the contest, or send a self-addressed envelope to: Cynthia Bracy, 1115 Inman Avenue #169; Edison, New Jersey, 08820-1132.