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

**Body:** Buncombe County Government — Home and Community Care Block Grant Advisory Committee
**Date:** August 26, 2026 3:31 PM EDT (2026-08-26T15:31:37-04:00)

**Link:** https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/3068

## Summary

**Meeting Overview**
The Buncombe County Home and Community Care Block Grant (HCCBG) Advisory Committee convened on August 26, 2026, to review the annual performance reports for providers funded by the block grant. Presided over by the Chair, the committee examined July expenditures and units of service across various community organizations. The meeting focused on operational reviews, compliance issues, and service limitations affecting vulnerable populations, including older adults and individuals with disabilities.

**Key Decisions and Votes**
The committee formally approved the minutes from the previous meeting by motion and second. Additionally, the body approved the review of July expenditures submitted by the various service providers. No other binding votes or policy changes were enacted during this session.

**Discussion Highlights**
A significant portion of the discussion centered on compliance and operational challenges. The committee addressed a discrepancy involving Mountain Aging Partners, who had incorrectly entered general transportation units into the system; Speaker 3 clarified that their reporting typically utilizes another funding source before drawing from the HCCBG.

Major concern was raised regarding Blue Ridge Pride, a provider for LGBTQ+ older adults. Speaker 2 reported that the organization has failed to respond to multiple emails requesting end-of-year reports and invoices for the new fiscal year, a lack of communication that has persisted for a year despite the presence of an interim executive director. The Chair expressed that this non-compliance was "really unacceptable," noting that a corrective action plan requires invoicing and communication regardless of service delivery. Speaker 2 characterized the organization's management issues as a recurring excuse, stating, "It needs to, you know, just, this is like the excuse all the time."

The committee also reviewed operational details for Mountain Mobility, specifically their use of "Route Match" scheduling software. Speaker 3 explained that drivers cannot enter clients' homes, providing only "door-to-door" service from the front doorstep to the van. This limitation creates barriers for frail individuals. Speaker 5 noted that successful use of the service often requires a "puzzle" of other services, such as home health aides, to assist clients in reaching the vehicle.

Positive updates were provided for several other providers. The Nutrition Program for Council on Aging reported serving 23,821 hot meals, while Meals on Wheels delivered 171,700 meals, though a waitlist of 50 seniors remains. Other providers, including Jewish Family Services, Better Together, and Working Wheels, received brief updates, with Jewish Family Services noted for exceeding targets and Mental Health Counseling having maxed out units.

**Community Input and Follow-ups**
Regarding Blue Ridge Pride’s non-compliance, Speaker 4 suggested that sending an official letter from the committee or staff expressing concern about jeopardized funding might be necessary to gain the organization's attention. Speaker 2 agreed, noting they had already sent emails warning that funding could be in jeopardy. The Chair proposed extending the timeline by one month, inviting Blue Ridge Pride to a meeting in September or October to explain their situation, while simultaneously drafting a letter of concern.

In terms of site visits, Speaker 5 expressed a desire to visit the Grove Street dining site to observe operations firsthand. Speaker 2 agreed to facilitate this by providing the contact information for Erin Spring, the dining manager.

**Follow-up Actions**
The Chair agreed to draft a letter to Blue Ridge Pride expressing concern about their communication and funding status, stating, "I can send it to you [Speaker 2] and basically say we're concerned for your life and communication." Speaker 2 was directed to follow up with legal and accounting departments to determine if funding could be transferred mid-year if Blue Ridge Pride fails to fulfill contract requirements. Additionally, Speaker 2 agreed to send Speaker 5 the name and email of Erin Spring to facilitate the requested site visit.

**Impact on Residents**
These discussions highlight the ongoing efforts to ensure accountability and accessibility in Buncombe County’s community care services. The scrutiny of Blue Ridge Pride’s compliance and the identification of barriers in Mountain Mobility’s service model underscore the committee’s focus on equitable access for frail and isolated seniors. As the Chair noted, "This population in the county is increasing, and it always feels like there's more need than we can cover. But we do what we can, a symbol at a time." The follow-up actions regarding legal consultation and potential fund transfers aim to ensure that public funds are utilized effectively and that service gaps are addressed through coordinated community support.

## Video & Transcript

- Recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KvtfBx4c7w8
- Transcript: https://sunshinemeetings.org/transcript/2088/segments

## Sources

- [YouTube video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KvtfBx4c7w8)