“A great start:” Dylan’s House donors raise $14K for two new homes in Boardman, Struthers
Local donors and construction companies are bringing a new reality to individuals with autism in the Mahoning Valley by building homes with Dylan’s House, a local nonprofit organization.
Kevin and Amy Shope started Dylan’s House in 2022 with hopes of expanding housing options available and capable of supporting individuals diagnosed with autism in northeast Ohio.
They were inspired by their 22-year-old son Dylan who was diagnosed with Autism at a young age. Now he lives in a local supported home that gives him independence but access to family and staff members with Iron and String Life Enhancement.
“We need these homes all throughout our communities,” said Amy Shope. “There are so many individuals we can help, and building in Boardman and Struthers is a great start for the work we’re hoping to do.”
Donors who came to their fundraiser at Firefly Farms helped Dylan’s House raise over $14,000 to build two new homes in Boardman and Struthers.
“The response has been overwhelming,” Amy Shope said. “We had people come up to us during the event who wanted to make additional donations for things like the appliances for the houses. It’s just great to see so many people who are as passionate about our work as we are.”
The mayor of Struthers, Catherine Cercone Miller, explained the land was donated by the city to Dylan’s House.
“We are extremely excited to be the first new house in the series of new homes for Dylan’s House,” said Miller. “We believe that Struthers is going to be a perfect piece to their puzzle.”
Both projects will be managed by local construction companies, starting with Warren’s Dawn Ochman of Dawn Incorporated who will work on the Struthers house.
“We are honored and so proud that DAWN Incorporated is going to be a part of this impactful project,” said Ochman. “So many of our hearts have been touched by autism. What the Shope family and Dylan’s House have done for the autism community is truly amazing and we want to help.”
The second home will be built in Boardman on land donated by Sam and Donna Boak. Trisha Howe, Executive Director of HBA announced that the house in Boardman will be located on South Avenue and will be co-managed by Alexander Construction and Custom Designed Homes by Mark Ramunno.
“We at the HBA take things like this very seriously because we want to be a part of the community in which we live,” said Howe. “I am very excited about bringing on several of our members to donate, support and give their time to help support this cause in Boardman.”
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