Meet Sam Nagy | Operations Manager – Tucson

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sam Nagy and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sam, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I was born in the great City of Tucson, AZ. I attended Amphitheater schools and was accepted into the REACH program, in grade school. My first project was to invent a process to help the community. I created a machine, out of paper towels rolls, a tissue box and a small plastic basket. People could place garbage into the opening and the trash would turn into food and hygiene supplies for people experiencing homelessness. I seemed to always care about others, at a young age. I grew up sharing my lunches with people and clothing with fellow, less fortunate classmates. in 2014, fast forward to my adult life, I founded a sock outreach, handing out brand new socks and hygiene supplies to people on the streets.

It has been 10 years and now I have joined Cloud Covered Streets (CCS), to bring a mobile shower & laundry program to Tucson. Finding small ways to make a big difference in this community. Now I am the Operations Manager for Cloud Covered Streets – Tucson. I am honored to provide an ability for people experiencing homelessness to shower, wash up and increase dignity in their lives. CCS provides hot showers, new clothing, socks & underwear, new hygiene supplies, food, haircuts and wrap around services including employment assistance to people experiencing homelessness.

Facebook: Cloud Covered Streets – Tucson
Instagram: @ccs_tucson

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?

I am a person who experienced homelessness, for over 3 years from 2003 – 2006. Rarely having a safe place to wash up or shower. There were very limited shower areas, and they were not easily accessible or, most times, safe.

I overcame a major cocaine and alcohol addiction. I have now been clean and sober for 17 years.

I worked at Café 54 located at the Tucson Botanical Gardens in 2008, my first job along my recovery journey, learning accountability in the workplace and how to be punctual. Then I worked for Community Partners (CPI)/Intermountain for over 14 years as a Behavioral Health Technician and as a Recovery Support Specialist. While there, I rotated to several different roles including Criminal Justice Peer Mentor and managed the DTAP Peer Support position. Later, I was promoted to the Community Engagement Specialist position and represented CPI at Compass Court, a collaborative diversionary court with the city/county and local community agencies. I was also the representative from CPI at Tucson City Court, Mental Health Court.

Married my beautiful Wife in 2011. Bought a home in 2012.

Began a sock donation outreach to people experiencing homelessness in 2014, to date giving out over 4,000 pairs of new socks to this local community and surrounding areas.

I was awarded a 40 under 40 award in 2015 from the AZ Daily Star and the Tucson Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

I entered the Tucson city council race and ran for elected office in 2019, losing to Councilwoman Lane Santa Cruz, by about 16,000 votes.

I am active in the community and am currently involved in training First Responders and Law Enforcement through CIT (Crisis Intervention Training).

I am currently employed with the Miracle Center/GAP Ministries as a Program Coordinator for a Career & Life Development program called Career Plus.

And I am the Cloud Covered Streets – Tucson Operations Manager, building a mobile shower/laundry trailer program, to operate in this great City of Tucson!

I learned to take it day by day, one day at a time. Taking deep breaths and building trust with this community. It has not been an easy road, but life is rewarding. Hard work pays off and my effort is based on what was given to me.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
First off, I would take them to a great Mexican Food Restaurant: El Minuto Cafe, downtown. Encouraging them to order the Chimichanga (Enchilada Style).

Would next take them to a local coffee joint, called Coffee X Change just off of Tanque Verde. Then to Udall park for a walk around the track.

Seeing the sunset at gates pass, would be our next stop.

The next few days, would be touring, the University of Arizona campus, San Xavier Mission, Sweetwater Reserve Park, Old Tucson and the Desert Museum.

Finishing the tour by eating excellent BBQ at Daisy Mae’s, by Pima Community College, West Campus.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Hands down, my loving Wife, Jennifer Nagy. She has supported my dreams, stuck by my side through thick and thin & never given up on me. This unconditional support has propelled me to seek out my dreams and fulfill my plans for this community!

Website: https://cloudcoveredstreets.org/

Instagram: @ccs_tucson

Facebook: Cloud Covered Streets – Tucson

Image Credits
Sam Nagy