Home and Community Care Block Grant Committee Meeting | Jan. 28, 2026

Buncombe County Home and Community Care Block Grant Committee Meeting Recap – January 28, 2026

The Buncombe County Home and Community Care Block Grant (HCCBG) Advisory Committee convened on January 28, 2026, with a full agenda focused on ensuring the effective use of funds supporting vital home and community care services for residents. The meeting, attended by committee members (with absences noted for Greg and Deborah, and Melissa arriving late), also included recognition of Zach’s decade-long dedication to Land of Sky, highlighting the commitment of individuals working within the county's care network. Following routine approvals of the corrected agenda and December meeting minutes, discussions centered on optimizing resource allocation and streamlining processes for a more equitable system.

A significant portion of the meeting revolved around how Buncombe County utilizes Supplemental Aging Funds (SAF) versus county in-home aid. While SAF usage is currently high, the committee noted that county in-home aid numbers remain low, prompting a review of strategies to encourage greater utilization. Updates were also provided by Mountain Aging Partners, who reported some under-spending early in the year due to fluctuating participation and discharges. They anticipate expanding services, particularly transportation options, as things stabilize. Following this, William High from the Buncombe County Planning Department presented a detailed overview of Mountain Mobility, outlining its services (including demand response, ADA paratransit, and deviated fixed routes) and funding structure. A key point raised was the current restriction of HCCBG funds for Mountain Mobility to solely cover medical transportation.

The most substantial decision made during the meeting concerned the allocation of HCCBG funds. For years, Mountain Mobility has received an automatic $500,000 allocation without a formal application process. Following robust discussion and concerns about transparency and fairness, the committee voted to change this practice. Moving forward, Mountain Mobility will be treated as any other applicant, requiring them to submit a formal application for funding in the next cycle. This decision reflects a desire for a more equitable and transparent process, ensuring all applicants are evaluated fairly based on their proposed services and impact. The committee also agreed to review mid-year progress reports from current grantees before making future funding recommendations, further emphasizing a data-driven approach to resource allocation.

There were no direct public comments received during the meeting, but the discussions clearly reflected a commitment to ensuring that HCCBG funds are utilized in the most effective and equitable manner possible. Committee members repeatedly emphasized their desire for a system that prioritizes transparency and fairness in the allocation process, aligning with community needs. William High from Mountain Mobility acknowledged their willingness to adapt and provide the necessary documentation for the application process, demonstrating a collaborative spirit.

Looking ahead, Billy will be contacting Mountain Mobility and other grantees to ensure they understand the new application requirements. He will also distribute mid-year progress reports from current grantees to the committee as soon as they are received, allowing members time to review them before making funding recommendations. This shift in the HCCBG funding process represents a significant change, aiming to create a more standardized and equitable system for all applicants. Residents can expect greater scrutiny of funding proposals, ensuring that resources are strategically allocated to maximize the impact on those who need home and community care services.