HCCBG Advisory Committee Meeting

Buncombe County HCCBG Advisory Committee Meeting Recap – July 23, 2025

The Buncombe County Home and Community Care Block Grant (HCCBG) Advisory Committee met on July 23, 2025, to discuss funding allocations and explore ways to improve the grant application process. The meeting was attended by committee members representing various community organizations and stakeholders dedicated to supporting older adults and vulnerable residents in Buncombe County. The discussions centered on adapting to a smaller-than-expected funding allocation and ensuring that resources are used effectively to address critical community needs.

A significant portion of the meeting focused on addressing a shortfall in the HCCBG funding received by Buncombe County. Due to an unexpected reduction in the block grant allocation, the committee unanimously approved a plan to proportionally reduce funding for all recipients by approximately 1%. This decision, while disappointing, was deemed necessary to ensure equitable distribution of the available funds. The County Commissioners subsequently approved these adjusted numbers and allocations, solidifying this change.

Beyond the immediate funding adjustments, a key discussion revolved around improving the grant application scoring tool. Committee members expressed concern that the current system may inadvertently prioritize strong writing skills over a demonstrated ability to address pressing community needs. A core goal moving forward is to better understand the demographics served by grant applicants, including zip code data and information about family support systems. To this end, the committee is exploring options for incorporating Geographic Information Systems (GIS) mapping to analyze demographic data related to older adults and low-income residents, allowing for more targeted resource allocation. The possibility of inviting grant providers to present their programs directly to the committee was also discussed as a way to gain deeper insights into individual program needs and challenges.

There were no formal public comments during the meeting; however, committee members shared valuable observations and experiences from their interactions with local service providers. These insights underscored the importance of understanding the unique challenges faced by each program and tailoring funding decisions accordingly. The committee also reviewed expenditure reports, noting that all funded programs successfully utilized their allocated funds, and a surplus from the previous year was reallocated to Jewish Family Services, Meals on Wheels, and Mountain Care.

Looking ahead, several key action items were identified to guide the committee’s work. Zack will initiate a GIS mapping project to identify areas with high concentrations of older adults and other vulnerable populations. Committee members have been tasked with reviewing the current grant application scoring tool, considering how it can be improved to better assess community needs and prioritize impactful programs. Speaker 2 will circulate information regarding the funding adjustments impacting Mountain Mobility, while further planning is underway to explore inviting grant providers for presentations. Finally, the committee will investigate methods for collecting more detailed demographic data from applicants, aligning with broader County efforts to strategically invest in community resources.

This meeting highlighted the Advisory Committee’s commitment to ensuring that HCCBG funds are used effectively and equitably to support vital services for older adults and vulnerable residents in Buncombe County. The focus on refining the grant application process and utilizing data-driven insights promises to enhance the impact of these crucial resources in the years to come.