HCCBG Advisory Committee Meeting

Buncombe County HCCBG Advisory Committee Meeting Recap – January 22, 2025

The Buncombe County Home and Community Care Block Grant (HCCBG) Advisory Committee convened on January 22, 2025, marking a return to regular meetings after a significant gap caused by recent county-wide challenges including the aftermath of a hurricane and subsequent budget adjustments. The meeting focused on addressing current funding concerns, reviewing program updates, and preparing for the upcoming grant application cycle despite a period of uncertainty.

A significant portion of the meeting centered on a concerning reduction of $125,000 in Buncombe County Supplemental Aging Funds for the current fiscal year. This cut, driven by a difficult county budget situation stemming from tourism decline and property tax issues following the hurricane, will impact both Daystay services ($4,000 reduction) and In-Home Aid programs ($121,000 reduction), reflecting projected client service needs in the wake of the storm. Committee members acknowledged the difficult circumstances and expressed concern for those relying on these vital services. The committee also received a positive update on UNITAE, a new provider of aging-related services. Despite initial hurdles related to the hurricane, they successfully held their first session last week with seven participants, highlighting a need for streamlined county processes to support new providers.

Updates were also provided on the status of congregate nutrition sites, many of which are operating with grab-and-go meals following hurricane disruptions. Shiloh and Grove Street sites await lead testing before resuming in-person dining, while Lakeview Community Center is experiencing structural damage and also offers grab-and-go options. Weaver Bell First Baptist Church continues to provide in-person dining services. A major announcement during the meeting was a pause on all community investment funding by Buncombe County management while they assess the overall budget for FY26. A crucial decision point regarding supplemental aging funding is expected at a County Commissioner meeting on March 20th.

Despite this uncertainty, the committee unanimously voted to move forward with the HCCBG grant application process while seeking clarification from the contract department. They also agreed to maintain the original March 7th application due date and approved updated grant application guidelines, clarifying eligibility requirements (particularly regarding for-profit agencies), performance measures, and the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Accessibility (DEIA) section. A key change ensures organizations serving older adults (60+) are included in the "other" historically marginalized populations category. Applicants will also need to align their budgets with Buncombe County's fiscal year (July 1 – June 30).

There were no formal public comments during the meeting. However, committee members were encouraged to review the Buncombe County webpage detailing FY 2026 budget reductions, and Jennifer Hudson, a new County Commissioner with experience in adult care, was mentioned as a potential advocate for supplemental aging funds.

Looking Ahead: Several key action items emerged from the meeting: Billy and Allison will discuss releasing the HCCBG grant application with the contract department. Zach is responsible for securing Land of Sky for an in-person meeting on March 26th, extending the session to two hours. Billy will resend invoice information to UNITAE. The updated application guidelines will be shared with all funded providers. Residents should anticipate further updates on the county budget situation and its impact on aging services following the County Commissioner meeting in March. The committee’s commitment to navigating these challenges and supporting vital programs demonstrates their dedication to serving Buncombe County's aging population.