UNDATED - Nearly $10,000 worth of tools and equipment were stolen from the nonprofit group Habitat for Humanity at two homesites under construction in Seattle and Federal Way.

The thieves even made off with a tool trailer at one site, said Sandra L. Holmes, spokesperson for Habitat for Humanity Seattle-South King County.

Habitat for Humanity, which builds simple, decent affordable housing in partnership with very low-income families, said in a statement that the loss "exacerbates the challenge of creating truly affordable homeownership and erodes the morale of those committed to transforming lives."

Through the Habitat for Humanity program, homeowners invest hundreds of hours of their own labor - sweat equity - into building their Habitat house and they pay a no-profit, no-interest mortgage.

Police are investigating the thefts, but have no suspects at this time.

"Ironically, the losses come at a critical time with construction just beginning on 16 new homes being built at High Point and Rainier Vista in Seattle and in Federal Way," Holmes said in a statement.

She said the nonprofit organization is seeking new and innovative ways of tool management to reduce vulnerability but still allow for its community engagement model of housing production to succeed.

Donations of new tools, tool bins or secured job site storage can be coordinated through the Habitat for Humanity office at (206) 292-5240 starting Monday morning.