The event, which started on Sept. 23, benefits two volunteer organizations that work to bring affordable housing to Saratoga County. Rebuilding Together Saratoga County repairs homes, while Glens Falls Area Habitat for Humanity builds new houses and sells them to eligible families.

"It seemed like a natural fit," said Kate Ferris from the Saratoga Builders Association, which organizes the showcase. "There are always people who are in need."

Last year, the builders association donated $14,000 to Rebuilding Together and $42,000 to Habitat for Humanity. The money came from the sales of tickets for the Showcase of Homes, which attracted more than 6,300 people from all parts of New York, Vermont, Connecticut, Massachusetts and even Canada, Ferris said.

"The association usually is supporting a building project," she said.

In the past, the association has donated money to build a garden accessible to people with disabilities at the Cornell Cooperative Extension. A few years ago, it also helped with the construction of the Saratoga Center for the Family's facility for abused children.

The builders association paired up with Habitat for Humanity in 1998. Since then, it has donated more than $223,000 to the group, which uses volunteer labor and donated material to build affordable housing for families in need. This chapter serves Warren, Washington and northern Saratoga counties.

Habitat for Humanity selects eligible families on the basis of need, ability to make monthly payments and volunteer work at the organization.

Rebuilding Together repairs the houses of disabled, low-income or senior citizen residents in the county, said president Michelle Larkin. Volunteers from the organization do anything from repairing leaky roofs and reinforcing old floors to replacing water-damaged ceilings, adding siding or painting.

"These are not fun remodeling jobs," she said. "Some of these people can't even keep up the maintenance of their homes."

RTSC invested the donations it received after last year's Showcase of Homes in the 15 projects across Saratoga County this year.

One of them involved putting a ramp in the home of an elderly man, who had become dependent on using his wheelchair more often. Another project included cleaning up Franklin Community Center.

"We hope to do even more next year," Larkin said. For more information about Rebuilding Together Saratoga County, visit www.rebuildingtogethersaratoga.com  or call 583-4640.

For more information about Glens Falls Habitat for Humanity, visit www.GlensFallsHabitat.org or call 793-7484.

The Showcase of Homes continues from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. this weekend and Oct. 8-9. Tickets cost $20 and are good for all dates of the event. Tickets are available at Curtis Lumber; Re/Max Park Place at 1795 Route 9 and Roohan Realty at 519 Broadway, Saratoga Springs. For more information about the event, visit www.saratogabuilders.org/homes.html or call 893-0558