The focus of the Milkin house rebuild has shifted some, but Steven Pyeatt, who is heading the volunteer cause, is still optimistic about finishing the project.

“We have plenty of volunteers but we only have about 10 percent of the funds that we need,” said Pyeatt.

The project was developed by Pyeatt and other community members to help Leonid Milkin rebuild his home after his family was murdered and the structure was burned down in 2006. The biggest issue is still the foundation and the structural integrity of the house.

“The work on the foundation is more serious than we thought,” said Pyeatt. “There are a lot of details to be worked out.”

The Master Builders Association has volunteered to take control of the structural issues with the house.

Pyeatt has been inundated with locals who want to volunteer to help with the project. Nearly 300 people have volunteered their time to help via a Facebook page. The project also has nearly 100 people with construction and other skills lined up for projects with the house if they are needed. But the biggest need right now is for people to donate money to the Sterling Savings account to help finance the project.

The project also needs an organization to step forward and help with fund raising activities for the project.

Many people and businesses have stepped up to volunteer supplies and more are needed. One Kirkland woman, who is in the process of remodeling her kitchen, has offered to donate her current cabinets and appliances to the effort. Pyeatt said that the items are a good match for the style that they were looking for.

“There have been a lot of generous donations so far, said Pyeatt, adding, “What we need is for vendors to donate finish materials for the inside of the house and wood for the fence.”

The King County Young Republicans have also offered to provide help, while local firefighters have to wait to give their time to the project.

“At this point, they can’t get involved based on their involvement with the trial,” said Pyeatt. “If there is one serendipity to waiting on the foundation and structural issues, it is that they will get a chance to get involved after the trial.”

Pyeatt said that they are also looking for a way to get the dock on the property back into working order.

But all the volunteers and donations have made a difference for Milkin.

“He has been pretty humbled by it,” said Pyeatt. “But we want to make sure it is the way he wants it. We’ll get it done.”

How to help

A “Milkin House Fund” account is set up at Sterling Savings Bank. Donate in person at the branch, or via mail to: 230 Main Street, Kirkland, WA 98033. Reference “Milkin House Fund” and account No. 59980279836.

Also, follow the progress of the project on the “Milkin House” Facebook account.

To volunteer, e-mail: sharon_ilstrup@yahoo.com