Wellbeing Strategist in the Economic Dignity Space

I'm focused on bridging economic development and community wellbeing. For over five years, I’ve worked at the intersection of policy, finance, and grassroots strategy—designing asset- and wealth-building initiatives that respond to the structural barriers faced by historically marginalized communities.

My work spans systems-level strategy and hands-on implementation. I’ve helped shape Washington State’s $200 million Community Reinvestment Plan, supporting a blended capital approach that aligns grants, loans, and matched savings with community-defined goals for economic dignity. I specialize in outcome-focused collaborations—bringing together CDFIs, public agencies, philanthropic funders, and grassroots leaders to move capital in ways that center equity and impact.

Current projects include:

  • Supporting the Black Home Initiative to realize 3,000 new foundational Black homeowners in Washington State.

  • Co-developing the Scalable Starter Home Production Plan, advancing offsite manufacturing and workforce solutions statewide.

  • Structuring a new Loan Guarantee Fund in partnership with United Way of King County and local mission-based lenders.

  • Advising the Washington State Office of Equity on CRP implementation and technical assistance models.

  • Helping design a longitudinal financial wellbeing data platform with the Ontario Trillium Foundation.

  • Integrating financial counselling services into community-based organizations like West Neighbourhood House in Toronto.

This work builds on 25 years of leadership in the nonprofit sector, where I’ve worked across emergency food systems, homeless supports, youth leadership, and workforce training. As Executive Director of Sound Outreach in Tacoma, Washington, I helped build a thriving financial counselling program by leveraging partnerships with community-based organizations, United Way's LISC/Financial Opportunity Center model, and innovative underwriting tools—including a loan guarantee fund and a cashflow-based third-party lending model—to unlock fair, flexible credit for economically vulnerable households in Pierce County.

Whether it’s policy design, financing models, or platform development, my work is rooted in one goal: helping communities access the tools, capital, and opportunities to build lasting wealth and wellbeing.

“Wellbeing Strategist in the Economic Dignity Space” is the easiest way to say that I help social purpose, government, and finance entities identify ecosystem needs and gaps to ensure people in communities across North America can move towards a baseline Quality of Life that guarantees income equality, wealth building equality, time with loved ones and friends, pursue a purpose that offers personal satisfaction, and live in health and good fortune at the same level as those with a head start building access and wealth in America and Canada.

Work Eligibility

I am a Dual US and Canadian Citizen. I can work easily in either country and travel often between Toronto, Baltimore/DC, and Seattle/Tacoma. I am privileged to have free healthcare in Ontario that is not tied to employment. I have a US address for IRS reporting purposes. I maintain bank accounts in both countries for easy direct deposit payments.

What I do well as a consultant:

  • Meet with your team to assess and understand your needs.

  • Work with participatory researchers to hear and understand the needs of your community.

  • Interview stakeholders, including people in your community, in your organization, and my contacts across North America to find appropriate interventions to address expressed needs.

  • Offer strategic advice and direction.

  • Networking, business development, networking, and business development (also known as partnership development…also known as reaching out and making connections to your good work on your behalf). I also specialize in networking, and business development. Did I mention networking and business development?

  • Synthesize existing economic development and capital access strategies into new methods and approaches to expand access.

  • I can help you build a financial counselling program.

  • I can work strategically with you and financial institution partners to develop strategies to create safe loan products for people in your community.

Other capabilities:

  • Organizational Management (for example: Interim ED/CEO) as I have directled organizations and am a Master in Public Administration with a focus on nonprofit management.

  • Strategic thinking.

  • Fund Development and Brand evaluation.

CFH Consulting

USA and Canada

(647) 617-4471
jeff@cfhconsulting.net