HCCBG Advisory Committee Meeting | Nov. 19, 2025

HCCBG Advisory Committee Meeting Recap: Focusing on Accessibility and Application Improvements (November 19, 2025)

The Home and Community Care Block Grant (HCCBG) Advisory Committee convened on November 19, 2025, for a meeting focused primarily on refining the application process for funding and reviewing ongoing service delivery within our community. The committee, comprised of dedicated members working to support older adults and caregivers, engaged in a productive discussion aimed at ensuring the HCCBG program effectively meets the evolving needs of our residents.

A significant portion of the meeting centered on a review and potential revision of the application process and scoring tools used to evaluate funding requests. Committee members carefully examined a revised document presented by Suzanne, designed for improved clarity and flow for both applicants and reviewers. Discussions revolved around ensuring the application process is as accessible as possible, particularly for smaller organizations and those with limited administrative resources. A key emphasis emerged regarding the need for applicants to clearly demonstrate how their programs build capacity through coordination with other community resources, a critical consideration given potential future funding adjustments. The committee also engaged in a detailed conversation about the client service experience, specifically how prospective clients learn about available services and navigate the application process. Concerns were raised regarding potential subjectivity in scoring applications, prompting a discussion on aligning evaluations more closely with the core purpose of HCCBG funding – providing essential support to older adults.

Beyond application processes, the committee received updates on several ongoing initiatives. Mountain Aging Partners reported a positive expansion of their transportation services thanks to supplemental aging funds, adding 44 trips and anticipating further growth. Discussions also touched on the Land of Sky Senior Companion program, exploring alternative funding sources before utilizing HCCBG resources. While there was a follow-up regarding an elder club that hasn't yet launched, the committee acknowledged ongoing efforts to improve documentation and streamline processes across various programs. A crucial point raised throughout the meeting was the importance of timely invoicing for supplemental aging funds to prevent potential loss of funding back to Buncombe County.

There were no formal public comments during this meeting, but committee members shared valuable insights and experiences from their work directly with older adults and caregivers within the community. This firsthand perspective informed the discussions and highlighted the importance of ensuring services are accessible and easy to navigate, particularly for individuals without caregivers.

Looking ahead, the committee has identified several key action items to further refine the HCCBG program. Susan will circulate a copy of last month’s purpose statement to all members for reference, and a follow-up meeting is scheduled for December 17th. This subsequent meeting will focus on further discussion of the application process and scoring tool, with a particular emphasis on aligning it with the HCCBG’s core purpose. Committee members will continue to review and provide feedback on the revised application process in the interim. These ongoing efforts aim to ensure that HCCBG funding is utilized effectively and equitably, providing vital support for older adults and their families in our community.