ATLANTA — Norfolk Southern will donate nearly $600,000 in grants to organizations that serve homeless individuals – including two in North Alabama – across its 22-state network, the railroad said in a news release.
Recipient organizations are based in communities served by Norfolk Southern and provide an array of vital services to homeless populations, from housing to job assistance to food and mental health support.
In North Alabama, First Stop of Huntsville and North Alabama Coalition for the Homeless will receive grants.
“We believe in the power of community and understand the profound impact homelessness has on individuals and families,” said Kristin Wong, Director Corporate Giving at Norfolk Southern. “Norfolk Southern is focused on addressing this issue by supporting organizations across our 22-state network that provide shelter and critical services to the most vulnerable members of our communities.”
This announcement comes as data shows homelessness has increased by nearly six percent over the last five years. the news release said. According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, in 2022, counts of individuals and chronically homeless individuals reached record highs in the history of data collection.
“Homelessness is not a problem unique to any one city or town, but local service organizations play a key role in supporting those affected,” the railroad said.
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