Home and Community Care Block Grant Advisory Committee Meeting

Buncombe County Home & Community Care Block Grant Committee Meeting Recap - March 26, 2025

On Wednesday, March 26th, the Buncombe County Home and Community Care Block Grant Advisory Committee convened to discuss the challenging task of allocating funds for vital home and community care programs. Recognizing a particularly difficult funding year due to unexpected expenses from Hurricane Haleen cleanup and broader economic pressures, the committee engaged in a detailed review of program needs and potential funding adjustments. This meeting is crucial for residents as it directly impacts the availability of essential services for vulnerable individuals in our community.

A significant portion of the meeting focused on addressing disruptions to the Council on Aging's nutrition program, which experienced setbacks due to hurricane damage and a leadership transition. The committee strongly encouraged the Council on Aging to expedite their efforts in shifting funding from temporary American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) resources to the Home and Community Care Block Grant, aiming to preserve as much of their critical services as possible. Concerns were also raised regarding the slow pace of spending by United Community Development, prompting a commitment from the committee to closely monitor their progress and ensure proper accounting practices are followed. Discussions also touched upon potential adjustments to in-home aid services, with consideration given to reallocating funds from overspent Level 1 assistance to address shortages in Level 2 care.

Several organizations, including Jewish Family Services and Meals on Wheels, expressed interest in receiving any reallocated funds. A request from Mountain Care for an increased reimbursement rate per mile was tabled, with the committee opting to postpone a decision until their next meeting. This will allow for further consideration and exploration of potential funding options. The committee also explored the eligibility of organizations like Mobility Matters and the Center for Conscious Living and Dying under the Block Grant program, with a commitment to gather more information on their services.

The committee made several key decisions during the meeting, including unanimous approval of both the agenda and minutes from the previous session. Most notably, they decided to postpone a decision on Mountain Care's reimbursement rate increase until their next meeting. Committee member Suzanne provided an update on advocacy efforts to inform the County Commissioners about the importance of these services, though a formal presentation was not secured.

Looking ahead, several action items were identified to ensure the effective allocation of resources and continued support for community members. Committee members will follow up with the Council on Aging to facilitate their funding transition, and closely monitor United Community Development's spending. Further investigation into the eligibility of organizations like the Center for Conscious Living and Dying is also underway. All committee members are required to submit their individual allocation spreadsheets by April 18th, and the next meeting is scheduled for April 23rd.

This year’s allocation process presents significant challenges, but the committee's commitment to prioritizing services that keep individuals safely in their homes and communities was evident. The decisions made, and the ongoing actions identified, will directly impact access to vital care for many Buncombe County residents. Residents are encouraged to attend the next meeting on April 23rd or contact the committee with any questions or concerns.