Sam Jones has an extensive background in homelessness solutions. She previously worked at Self-Determination Housing of Pennsylvania (SDHP) as a manager of statewide programs. Through this position, Sam oversaw staff in the 37 counties on the eastern half of Pennsylvania, advocating for safe, affordable, and accessible housing for people with disabilities and older adults. This program successfully provided technical assistance to social service providers, trained staff and advocates on best housing practices, and housed people with disabilities across the state. Sam also worked at SDHP as a regional housing coordinator prior to her management position.

Her real start in housing began as a rapid rehousing reunification specialist at Congreso de Latinos Unidos, a Philadelphia-based nonprofit. In this pilot program, she helped house individuals for whom their only remaining barriers to gaining full custody of their children from child welfare was stable housing. Sam holds a bachelor’s degree in Special Education and Elementary Education from Boise State University and a master’s degree in Social Service Administration from the University of Chicago.