Home and Community Care Block Grant Advisory Committee Meeting | July 22, 2026

Home and Community Care Block Grant Advisory Committee Meeting Recap – July 22, 2026

The Home and Community Care Block Grant Advisory Committee convened on July 22, 2026, to discuss ongoing initiatives and plan for the upcoming grant cycle. The meeting showcased a strong dedication to supporting services for seniors and individuals with physical disabilities in Concombe County, emphasizing community connection and innovative approaches to care. This recap provides a summary of the key discussions, decisions, and next steps for residents interested in learning more about these vital programs.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to Better Together Transportation, a local non-profit providing free, wheelchair-accessible door-to-door transportation. Director Gina presented compelling data and personal stories demonstrating the organization's impact, highlighting their focus on "relational transportation" – connecting individuals through meaningful interactions. Committee members expressed strong appreciation for Better Together’s work, with Dan noting the importance of sharing these individual experiences to truly understand the value of such services. Gina outlined plans for expansion, including diversifying funding sources, exploring a second van and driver, piloting volunteer programs (a companion program and utilizing church drivers), and developing dispatch software to improve scheduling.

Beyond Better Together, the committee reviewed the utilization of Buncombe County’s supplemental aging funds, confirming that all allocated resources were effectively spent. Billy provided an update on the Age-Friendly Buncombe County initiative, noting its success and plans for quarterly meetings. Commissioner Edwards’ engagement with the Age-Friendly Buncombe County initiative was highlighted as a positive development, suggesting potential future collaboration between the committee and county officials to support older adults.

The committee finalized a revised schedule for the next grant cycle, moving application opening and deadlines earlier to allow more time for review. Discussions also centered on the timeline for receiving annual reports from providers, with Billy indicating these will be available in August. Finally, the committee agreed to begin considering revisions to the application and scoring tool in preparation for the upcoming grant cycle.

There were no formal public comments during this meeting, but the committee’s discussion underscored a shared commitment to providing accessible and impactful services for Concombe County residents. The meeting concluded with several key action items: Zach will finalize lease reallocation within two days; Gina will continue expanding Better Together Transportation’s services and partnerships; Billy will compile annual reports from providers for August review and prepare materials for the next Age-Friendly Buncombe County meeting.

This meeting demonstrated a proactive approach to addressing the evolving needs of Concombe County’s aging population, prioritizing both efficient resource allocation and innovative programs like Better Together Transportation. Residents can anticipate further updates on the grant cycle review process, as well as ongoing efforts to strengthen community partnerships and expand access to essential services.