KANOPOLIS — When state officials went in search of a young family as representative of the state’s firsttime homebuyers, their journey ended at Kanopolis.

Against the backdrop of their neat ranch-style home, Aaron and Elizabeth Munoz and their four children Friday accepted congratulations and gifts from the Kansas Housing Resources Corporation and other well wishers.

The Munozes purchased their home about a year ago after qualifying for the agency’s First Time Homebuyer Program.

“The state truly is here to help our communities and our families,” said acting director Ryan Vincent.

He was accompanied by Christine Reimler, program director; Cynthia Howerton, home ownership specialist; and Emily Sharp, communications director.

Also in attendance were Kristin Haase of First Bank Kansas, who handled the home loan; Kanopolis mayor Anthony Hopkins; Stacie Schmidt of Ellsworth County’s Smoky Hill Development Corporation; and Tami McGreevey of the Ellsworth Area Chamber of Commerce.

Hopkins thanked everyone who made Friday happen.

“Hopefully, Kanopolis will continue to grow for many years to come,” he said.

Aaron Munoz works for Klauss Masonry of Hays. Elizabeth Munoz works at the Ellsworth Steak House.

Aaron’s grandparents lived in Kanopolis until his grandfather passed away and the family sold the farm. Aaron and Elizabeth lived in Ellsworth with their family; however, their goal was to move back to Kanopolis and their family roots.

“Inventory is limited in the area, so finding a home that was big enough for their family of six yet still fit into their budget was a challenge,” Sharp wrote in an e-mail to the I-R.

Haase directed the Munozes to the First Time Homebuyer Program, which offers assistance with down payment and closing costs.

Elizabeth Munoz said the family wasn’t aware of the program before.

“Just walking up here, I can feel the joy of family and this is what this is all about,” Vincent said.

Earlier this month, Gov. Laura Kelly proclaimed June National Homeownership Month in Kansas.

Sharp said shining a spotlight on the Munoz family and other first time homebuyers fits in with the governor’s efforts at rural revitalization. Community benefits of homeownership, she said, include the stabilization of neighborhoods, economic growth and increased production and sales of goods and services.

“Just walking up here, I can feel the joy of family and that’s what this is all about."
Ryan Vincent
Acting director of the Kansas Housing Resources Corporation