Many people go camping to escape their homes, but few do it to build new ones for others.

People from all over the Capital Region will come to Tawasentha Park in Guilderland Thursday for "Tent-a-thon," a fundraising event that aims to help eliminate sub-standard and poverty housing.

During the week-long event campers recieve donations for time spent camping out in the park, much like participants in Relay for Life events raise money by walking a track. The money raised will go towards the Capital District Habitat for Humanity's affordable homeownership program.

Just in time for the holiday weekend, Governor Paterson and the legislature hammer out a deal, keeping the state parks open for the rest of the summer.