CANFIELD — Firefly Farm on Raccoon Road was crowded Thursday evening with people attending Fiesta for the Future, a fundraiser for Dylan’s House — the brainchild of Amy and Kevin Shope in honor of their son, 23, who is on the autism spectrum.

Dylan has special challenges and needs constant supervision, but the Shopes also wanted him to have some of the same rites of passage that other young adults experience. So, they purchased a home for Dylan in Cornersburg.

Although he has caregivers around the clock, living on his own has helped him to “blossom” and become more independent, the Shopes said. As a result, Dylan started attending Farmer Casey’s Ranch in Coitsville, which is part of the Purple Cat. Not only is it a healthy environment with outdoor experiences, it provides Dylan with an opportunity to perform farm work tailored to his ability.

The Shopes were financially in a position to provide Dylan with what he needs to thrive. But they recognized that others are not as fortunate, which is what motivated them to start the 501(c)(3) organization to offer more resources for families with similar challenges.

Dylan’s House was founded just two years ago, but last year they gave out $15,000 in caregiver grants to ease the burden of families. They also have helped with home modifications and have sponsored educational experiences.

But they have an even bigger dream: To build houses specifically for people with autism. According to their website, their housing initiative will “provide a safe and supportive living environment and aim to address the critical need for affordable and accessible housing within this community of individuals. By constructing homes that are specifically designed to meet the unique challenges and needs of Autistic individuals, we will ensure the opportunity to live comfortably and independently.”

The Shopes announced on Thursday that two houses are soon to be built — one in Struthers and one in Boardman. DAWN Incorporated, which is based in Warren, will be the contractor for the Struthers house. Kevin Shope said the business is a big supporter of Dylan’s House and will be building the house at cost.

Owner Dawn Ochman said she met Amy Shope at an Athena Award banquet and the two felt a connection.

“It’s an honor to be part of such an impactful project,” Ochman said.

She noted the house will have to meet the needs of whoever will be moving in. This could include more durable finishes that hold up to rough treatment, or extra soundproofing for someone with hypersensitivity to noise. Ultimately, “they will let us know what they want,” Ochman said.

Struthers Mayor Catherine Cercone Miller expressed excitement for the project. She explained that prior to her political career, she worked with adults on the autism spectrum, so Dylan’s House holds a special place in her heart. She noted that Struthers has welcoming neighbors as well as a police force and firefighters who are sensitive to people with disabilities.

Miller expressed pride that her city will have one of the first houses.

“Of course it’s going to Struthers. We like to be the first and set the example,” she said.

Trisha Howe, executive officer of the Home Builders Association of the Mahoning Valley, is spearheading the Boardman effort. She said Ramunno Builders and Alexander Construction will be co-managing, while Boak and Sons is providing equipment, as well as additional oversight.

Howe said she is proud of how many builders are giving back.

“Instead of chucking people under the rug, we need to embrace everyone and make them part of the community,” she said, noting owning a home is one of the best ways to accomplish this.

Besides the monetary donations, many people gave of their time in order to make Fiesta for the Future a success. One of the servers was Jontae Pabellon of Campbell, who is dating the Shopes’ daughter, Anderson. Pabellon said he enjoys spending time with Dylan.

“He does what he likes to do. Being around his energy is really nice,” he said.

Kennedy Evans, also of Campbell, concurred, calling Dylan “a very sweet person.” She spent the evening helping with the concessions. Evans is a behavior tech for Progressive ABA Therapy Group, but said, “I will volunteer whenever Amy needs me.”

Erin Bishop is the health commissioner in Youngstown, but on Thursday she was handling admissions and selling raffle tickets for Clase Azul reposado, an expensive tequila. She said besides being friends with Amy and Kevin, her son has been one of Dylan’s caretakers.

Several attendees echoed the opinion that the Shopes are “amazing people.” Kevin and Amy Shope both said they are “overwhelmed with so much support from the valley.”

Anyone wishing to donate or find out more information can go to dylanshouse.org.