Casey Rocheteau, a 29-year-old Brooklyn poet, has won the first Write a House Project prize of a free house in Detroit, Michigan.

According to its website, the Write a House Project was founded by Detroit writers and urban activists in 2012 to provide writers with homes as a “kind of writer’s residency program.” “We believe writers are out there…who are interested in becoming part of Detroit today,” the website reads. “Or maybe they just want a home. We would like to invite them to move in. Even if you already live in Detroit, feel encouraged to apply.”

Three hundred and fifty people applied for the home that was formerly in foreclosure. The Write a House Project, in partnership with a local nonprofit, renovated the home before awarding it to Rocheteau, one of the ten finalists selected. Former US Poet Laureate Billy Collins, who served as one of the contest’s judges, said that her work included “witty but deeply serious poems.”

Once Rocheteau moves into her new 900-square-foot house, she will be responsible for its upkeep and taxes. After two years, she will receive the deed to the property.

Learn more at writeahouse.org about your eligibility for Write a House, who the judges are, the required application materials, and the literary life of Detroit.

Source: The Los Angeles Times