Shams DaBaron

founder & ceo

Nationally recognized housing advocate with direct policy impact at the highest levels of NYC government. Currently serving as Commissioner on NYC Charter Revision Commission while building expertise in real estate development through strategic partnerships and consulting engagements.

Email address:

shams@lionfoxdevelopment.com

(084) 123 – 456 88

About Shams

Shams DaBaron’s journey embodies the transformative power of lived experience combined with unwavering determination. Entering foster care at age 2 and experiencing homelessness from age 10 after aging out of the system at 12, Shams understood firsthand the challenges facing New York’s most vulnerable residents.

During his own experience with homelessness, Shams became known as “Da Homeless Hero”— a voice for the voiceless during the 2020 Lucerne Hotel controversy that brought national attention to how cities treat homeless individuals. His advocacy work gained recognition from major media outlets including The New York Times, MSNBC, USA Today, and PBS.

Lecturer, Medical Malpractice and Tort Matters to Legal Community, New York State Trial Lawyers Institute
Lecturer, Medical Malpractice and Tort Matters to Legal Community, American Association for Justice
Pretrial Issues in Laparoscopic Negligence Cases,” ATLA Professional Negligence Section Newsletter
Legislative Caps Take Away the Judge’s Function,” New York Law Journal

After years of pointing out problems and fighting for policy changes, Shams decided to become
part of the solution to homelessness by moving into development. Tired of simply highlighting
issues without being able to directly create housing, he realized that real change required being at
the table where housing actually gets built. With recognition and support from NYC Mayor Eric
Adams, who publicly acknowledged his transformation from “Da Homeless Hero” to “Da
Housing Hero,” this transition led to the founding of LionFox Development, LLC. The company
brings lived experience, policy expertise, and innovative approaches to development projects not
just in New York City, but with plans to expand housing solutions nationally and internationally.