One of the most important is the Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG), which is the principal source of federal funding for community development services. CDBG provides eligible metropolitan cities and urban counties (called "entitlement communities") with annual direct grants that they can use to revitalize neighborhoods, expand affordable housing and economic opportunities, and/or improve community facilities and services, principally to benefit low- and moderate-income persons."

The HOME Investment Partnership Program (HOME) was established by HUD to expand the amount of decent, safe, and affordable housing in Ocean County. The program, which is also administered by the County Planning Department has been established since 1992. Eligible activites include Rental Housing Production, Housing Rehabilitation, Tenant-Based Rental Assistance, and a First-Time Homebuyers' Program.