FRANKLIN—An event this weekend will help provide housing — not just for people who need it but for the birds as well.

The first annual birdhouse silent auction held by the Southampton/Franklin Habitat for Humanity will take place Saturday at Lowe’s in Franklin from 8 a.m. to noon.

&uot;We’re raising public awareness about Habitat,&uot; said local Executive Director Suzy Davis, &uot;and tying it in with the birdhouses.&uot; She also added that Lowe’s has a national commitment to Habitat for Humanity, and the Franklin store has &uot;held up to that commitment.&uot;

The avian structures were built by area residents and donated for the auction.

&uot;We thought we were going to have six houses,&uot; said Davis. &uot;Now, we have 20.&uot;

They are on display in different businesses and agency offices in the area until Friday. Some of those locations are Grayson & Emma’s Garden Spot in Courtland, Southern Charm, Smith’s Jewelers, Aesthetics by Naomi and Bank of America, all in Franklin.

Bronco Federal Credit Union’s downtown office also has a large &uot;cedar palace&uot; birdhouse, built and donated by Jon Jorgenson, that is being raffled. Chances are $1 each.

All of the houses will be moved to Lowe’s the morning of the event.

&uot;Lowe’s is providing squirrel and bird feeder building activities for the kids,&uot; said Davis. &uot;We will also be giving out information about Habitat.&uot;

Habitat for Humanity identifies people in need places to live.

&uot;We don’t give away homes,&uot; she said.

The recipient families not only have to put in a certain number of sweat equity hours by helping to build the home, they also pay for the home with a no-interest loan.

&uot;We are always looking for anyone who can donate land,&uot; Davis said. &uot;That is a great boost and it also has great tax advantages for the donor.&uot;

The last structure built by the volunteers of the local Habitat is on Indian Woods Trail in Courtland and was completed in December. The recipients were Duncan and Nannie Owney.

&uot;This summer, we are doing a rehabilitation project,&uot; Davis said. &uot;If anyone is in need of minor rehab, they may find information at the event on how Habitat can help them.&uot;

Davis said she is hopeful that the organization will be able to complete another full build in 2009.

Anyone wishing to place bids on the birdhouses before Saturday’s event may contact Davis by calling 651-4369 or emailing southamptonfranklinhabitat@yahoo.com. The mailing address for the organization is P.O. Box 891, Franklin, VA 23851.

All proceeds will benefit Southampton/Franklin Habitat for Humanity.