Home and Community Care Block Grant Advisory Committee Meeting | August 26, 2026

Buncombe County Home and Community Care Block Grant Advisory Committee Meeting Recap – August 26, 2026

The Buncombe County Home and Community Care Block Grant (HCCBG) Advisory Committee met on August 26, 2026, to review program spending and discuss the performance of organizations receiving funding through the HCCBG. This grant plays a vital role in supporting essential services for residents, including aging-related assistance, transportation, legal aid, and nutrition programs. The meeting provided a detailed look at how these funds are being utilized and identified areas needing attention to ensure maximum impact.

A primary focus of the meeting was a review of expenditures from July and an assessment of how various providers are performing. The committee acknowledged the hard work of many organizations, including Jewish Family Services for exceeding their target units of service and Working Wheels for their partnership with the U.S. Veterans Administration to assist homeless veterans. Stories were shared highlighting the positive impact of programs like Council on Aging Nutrition Program (providing both meals and cat food assistance) and Pisco Legal, which helped a couple navigate complex aging-related legal challenges. The committee also recognized UNITAG's efforts in building capacity within the network of providers.

However, a significant portion of the discussion revolved around concerns regarding communication and reporting from several organizations. Specifically, Blue Ridge Pride faced scrutiny for a lack of communication and delayed reports, despite repeated attempts to contact them. The committee expressed serious concerns about their responsiveness and the potential impact on funding. After a robust discussion, the committee decided to postpone a formal action for one month, allowing Blue Ridge Pride an opportunity to respond. Billy will draft a letter outlining these concerns and potential consequences if communication doesn't improve, with follow-up discussions planned for September or October. Other providers like Amberlight and Blue Ridge High also raised concerns due to a lack of received invoices, indicating a need for closer monitoring.

Beyond provider performance, the committee engaged in discussions regarding data collection and its connection to the County's Age-Friendly Action Plan. They emphasized the importance of capturing data and personal stories to demonstrate the impact of HCCBG-funded programs, allowing for a clear baseline measurement of progress. A committee member also expressed interest in visiting the Grove Street dining site to observe operations firsthand and connect with county management, highlighting a desire for greater engagement within the community.

Key Decisions & Actions:

• The committee approved both the agenda and minutes from the previous meeting.
• A letter will be drafted by Billy to Blue Ridge Pride, outlining concerns and potential funding consequences.
• Billy will investigate options for potentially reallocating Blue Ridge Pride’s funds if communication doesn't improve.
• Billy will provide contact information for the manager of Grove Street dining site, encouraging committee members to visit.

What This Means for Residents:

The work of the HCCBG Advisory Committee directly impacts residents who rely on these vital services. The committee's focus on accountability and communication aims to ensure that funds are used effectively, reaching those who need them most. Addressing the concerns surrounding Blue Ridge Pride and other providers will help safeguard the integrity of the program and guarantee that resources are available to support essential services like transportation, legal assistance, and nutrition. By emphasizing data collection and community engagement, the committee is working to demonstrate the tangible impact of these programs on the lives of Buncombe County residents.

This meeting underscored the committee’s commitment to responsible stewardship of public funds and their dedication to supporting a robust network of organizations providing crucial services for our community.