Home and Community Care Block Grant Advisory Committee (HCCBG) Meeting - 5.27.26

Home and Community Care Block Grant Advisory Committee Meeting Recap - May 27, 2026

The Home and Community Care Block Grant Advisory Committee (HCCBG) convened on May 27, 2026, to finalize spending plans for the current fiscal year (FY26) and discuss potential adjustments to funding allocations. This committee plays a crucial role in overseeing how funds are distributed to support vital home and community care services for residents. The meeting was attended by committee members representing various stakeholders in the aging and disability support network.

A significant portion of the meeting centered on maximizing the use of remaining Block Grant funds before the end of FY26. Discussions focused on whether to reallocate existing funding from organizations that may not fully utilize it, a process designed to ensure resources reach those who need them most. Several organizations, including Jewish Family Services and Meals on Wheels, had previously requested additional funding due to overspending. Mountain Aging Partners also expressed interest in shifting resources within their own organization between programs, specifically looking to move funds from their adult day health program to support general transportation and adult daycare services. Following a thorough review, the committee unanimously approved Mountain Aging Partners’ request to reallocate funds internally. Recognizing the demonstrated need, the committee also prioritized Jewish Family Services and Meals on Wheels as the first recipients should any additional funds become available.

Beyond immediate funding adjustments, the committee engaged in a broader discussion about improving transparency and consistency in future fund reallocation decisions. Members acknowledged the need for formalizing a policy to guide these internal shifts, ensuring equitable and predictable outcomes. A particularly noteworthy discussion highlighted the impactful work of Better Together Transportation Services, a local organization praised for its personalized care and community-building efforts. The committee expressed strong interest in having a representative from Better Together present at a future meeting to share their experiences and insights. Finally, the committee reviewed the status of the Buncombe County Supplemental Aging Fund, noting that any unspent funds would revert back to the county.

While no direct public comments were received during this meeting, the discussion surrounding Better Together underscored the importance of community-based services and their positive impact on individuals and families. This reinforces the vital role these programs play in supporting a strong and connected community.

Looking ahead, several key action items emerged from the meeting. Staff will investigate and correct a broken link in previous meeting minutes, ensuring public access to past decisions. Information regarding the committee's approach to internal fund reallocation will be shared with providers. Most importantly, the committee is planning a meeting for June 24th to begin discussions about next year's schedule and application process. Residents are also reminded that registration for the Second Age Friendly Summit Conference closes on May 31st. The committee's focus remains on ensuring that available resources are strategically deployed to support essential home and community care services for all residents.