BOARDMAN — Dylan’s House, a nonprofit founded to support people on the autism spectrum and their families, broke ground Wednesday on a new residential home that will provide safe, supportive housing for eight adults.

The four-bedroom duplex, located off Woodfield Court, is expected to be completed in six to eight months. It will offer caregiver support and serve as a model for the nonprofit’s future homes across the Mahoning Valley.

The project is part of an initiative launched by Amy and Kevin Shope, who founded Dylan’s House in 2022 in honor of their son, Dylan. After experiencing first hand the challenges of securing long-term care for Dylan, the Shopes purchased a home for him in Cornersburg and began looking for ways to support other families who needed safe housing for their adult children with autism.

At the groundbreaking off South Avenue in Boardman, the family said they hoped to help other families find answers to the same questions they had struggled with surrounding how to best care for their adult children on the spectrum.

“It’s for every family who has ever dreamed of a safe place for their adult child to live and belong,” Amy Shope said.

The Boardman duplex is one of several planned by Dylan’s House. A second location in Struthers is also in development, and the organization recently partnered with Youngstown Area Goodwill Industries to establish a dedicated office space in Liberty.

The need for such housing is urgent. According to the Autism Society of the Mahoning Valley, 87% of autistic adults live with their parents, yet only 22% wish to do so. Just 7% have access to the support services needed to live independently.

Wednesday’s groundbreaking brought together several community partners, including Sam and Donna Boak, who donated the land; Ramunno Builders, the general contractor; Purple Cat, which will manage and staff the home; and Trisha Howe, executive director of the Home Builders and Remodelers Association of the Valley.

Kevin Shope said the home will continue to invite community involvement as construction progresses.

“This will be a project people will be able to take part in a lot of different ways” for the months to come, he said. That includes helping with landscaping, decorating and other activities.

Sam Boak reminded the community that while the project is being supported financially by many in the building community, it’s important to note that others can have the chance to support the project as well, through donations of furniture, decorations and other necessities.

Dylan’s House is continuing to raise money for furniture, equipment and operational needs. Volunteers also are needed to help prepare the home for occupancy. More information is available at www.dylanshouse.org.