We want to share an update with you. Over the past few weeks, we’ve worked tirelessly to resolve the technical issues that paused the Write Your Way Home Essay Contest. Our hope was to extend the contest to December 15. Unfortunately, despite every effort, those challenges could not be fully overcome.

It’s possible that, given several more weeks, the issues might be resolved. However, we also recognize that continuing to delay would impact our credibility, slow the contest’s momentum, and make it harder to achieve the minimum entry requirements we set out to reach together. For that reason, we have made the heartrending decision not to continue with the contest.

We know how much thought, creativity, and hope so many of you poured into your essays and your dreams of calling Fredericksburg home. Please know this decision was not made lightly — and we share in your disappointment. From the beginning, our vision was to create something special: a contest that celebrated stories, community, and the feeling of finding “home.” While this chapter has come to a close, we remain deeply grateful for your encouragement, excitement, and kindness along the way.

In order to celebrate all of the participants, we will be posting the team's favorite  20 essays to our Facebook page by the end of the week. To thank everyone for their support, we’ll invite the public to take part by voting for their favorite essay — simply by “liking” the post. The essay that receives the most votes will win a $300 prize!

​

If you previously submitted an entry, you’ll receive an email soon with details about refunds and next steps.

Thank you, sincerely, for being part of this journey.

With warmth and gratitude,
The Write Your Way Home Team
Fredericksburg, Virginia
www.writeyourwayhome.net