HCCBG Advisory Committee Meeting

HCCBG Advisory Committee Meeting Recap: April 23, 2025

The Buncombe County Home and Community Care Block Grant (HCCBG) Advisory Committee convened on April 23, 2025, to finalize funding decisions for the current fiscal year and begin preliminary planning for next year. The meeting brought together committee members, county staff, and representatives from local organizations providing essential services to older adults and individuals with disabilities in Buncombe County. The discussion centered on ensuring these vital programs continue to meet community needs amidst ongoing challenges.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to reviewing data and deciding how to best allocate remaining funds, particularly within the Buncombe County Supplemental Aging Funds. Following a thorough discussion, the committee voted to reallocate $23,000 to support existing programs. Specifically, $5,000 will go towards Day Stay services and $18,000 to On Track. This decision reflects the committee's focus on strategically directing resources where they are most needed to maximize impact. Additionally, the committee approved a rate increase for Mountain Care’s transportation services, but with the condition that they utilize funds from other programs within their organization to offset the additional cost.

Beyond funding allocations, committee members engaged in a productive discussion about challenges faced by local providers. Concerns were raised regarding storm damage impacting congregate meal sites and difficulties experienced by United Community Development, a newer provider, with the ARM system used for grant management. These conversations underscored the need for increased support and streamlined processes for organizations navigating complex grant procedures, particularly those new to the system. The committee also touched upon broader concerns about some providers' reliance on a single funding source, emphasizing the importance of diversifying their financial support.

While no direct public comments were received during the meeting, committee members shared valuable observations and experiences regarding providers' struggles. A recurring theme was the need for greater advocacy efforts to secure adequate funding and support for aging services within Buncombe County. Members discussed the effectiveness of direct contact with elected officials, suggesting phone calls as a more impactful method than email.

Looking ahead, several key action items were identified to ensure the ongoing success of HCCBG-funded programs. Committee staff, Zach and Billy, will continue working to finalize the FY26 allocation spreadsheet and address United Community Development’s ARM system challenges, respectively. Committee members are encouraged to participate in advocacy efforts through phone calls and will collaborate with the county to amend contracts reflecting the approved funding reallocations. Finally, the committee will attend a public meeting in May regarding county supplemental funds to stay informed and engaged in broader discussions about community resources. This meeting demonstrated a strong commitment from the committee to effectively utilize available funds and support those who provide critical services to our community.