Railroaders for Change (Homelessness Prevention Initiative)

Railroaders for Change (Homelessness Prevention Initiative) is sponsored by Canadian National Railway (CN). This initiative provides funding to community groups and shelters that offer services to people experiencing or at risk of homelessness along CN's North American rail network.

Railroaders for Change | cn. ca A Critical Investment in Canada’s Economy The project that will help meet the growing demand for goods in Southern Ontario, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and create jobs. Investing in Homelessness Prevention CN is committed to supporting non-for-profit organizations that prevent homelessness through early intervention, community action, and sustainable solutions.

There are two donation cycles each year to ensure fair evaluation and funding of the most impactful projects and organizations across our network. If your organization helps to prevent homelessness, we invite you to apply in during the next cycle starting July 1. Everyone Needs a Safe Place to Call Home At CN, safety is at the heart of everything we do.

For us, nothing matters more. Our commitment to safety goes beyond our tracks to the heart of communities where we operate, because we believe that everyone needs a safe place to call home. Homelessness is on the rise Life’s unpredictability can put anyone at risk of homelessness, especially for those already living precariously.

Sadly, the number of people experiencing homelessness has increased dramatically across North America in recent years. As railroaders, we care deeply about the safety of our neighbours. We know that leaning on each other keeps us safe, helps us stand together, and ultimately prosper as a healthy society.

That’s why we’ve launched the CN Railroaders for Change initiative, a $100 M investment aimed at keeping homelessness prevention on track. Over 10 years, we are collaborating with nonprofit organizations to fund research, support prevention programs, partner with frontline services, and empower CN railroaders to take action in the communities where we live, work and play.

We strive to educate and raise awareness to reduce the stigma of homelessness. We support organizations that help people at risk reconnect with their communities, regain stability, and stay safely housed. We invest in research, policy reform, and data-driven action to help shape systems that protect people before a crisis occurs.

Numbers Behind the Crisis NUMBER OF CHILDREN WHO EXPERIENCED HOMELESSNESS ON A SINGLE NIGHT IN 2024 IN THE U.S. Sources: Statistics Canada and National Alliance to End Homelessness (NAEH) Taking Action in the Community CN donates shipping services to Food Banks From the Rink to Lasting Impacts Team CN helps raise $8. 4 million for Hockey Helps The Homeless while supporting CN's commitment to helping prevent homelessness.

Service to his community runs deep Through Railroaders for Change, CN provides funding for nonprofit organizations supporting people at risk of homelessness. If you or someone you know is experiencing a housing crisis, please dial 211 to be connected to social services in your local area including emergency shelters and food banks. These organizations have the resources and expertise to provide the help you need.

CN does not provide housing-related advice, services, or direct assistance to individuals in need, and assumes no responsibility or liability in connection with individual housing needs or situations. Frequently Asked Questions Why choose Homelessness Prevention as the focus of CN’s Railroaders for Change initiative?

We believe everyone needs a safe place to call home and choosing to help with homelessness prevention brings focus and depth to CN’s longstanding commitment to the safety and wellbeing of our neighbouring communities. It complements our community investments in Safety, People, and Environment — providing a clear, highly impactful way for employees and partners to make a difference.

What is the specific problem we are trying to solve? Homelessness is rising across North America. CN’s focus is on supporting nonprofit organizations whose mission is to reduce the number of people at risk of losing access to safe and permanent shelter in Canada and the U.S., through proven, community-based prevention strategies.

How are we focusing our efforts to solve this problem? CN’s support focuses on breaking down stigma and changing perceptions, rebuilding connections, and the funding of solutions-based research. What does the CN Railroaders for Change logo represent?

At the heart of this program is something deeply human: the need for shelter. You’ll notice the shape of a roofline — a symbol recognized around the world as a sign of home. That roofline reminds us of our belief – that everyone needs a safe place to call home.

You will also notice a rail spike that forms part of the roof. A rail spike is more than just a tool — it’s what holds the track in place. It’s strong, reliable and helps build the path forward.

The rail spike is a crucial component in our infrastructure. That infrastructure connects people and communities, moving goods across North America. Now, it also connects purpose to action—symbolizing how small acts of support, when aligned, can build something solid, permanent, and life-changing.

Isn’t Railroaders for Change in contradiction with local operations and interactions in the field? This initiative is anchored in safety, CN’s core value. By investing in prevention and working closely with CN Police and local support agencies, we hope to reduce temporary encampments and trespassing on CN property, improve the safety and wellbeing of all residents in our communities, and maintain fluid network operations.

How will we measure the success of this initiative?

We’ll track its success using multiple metrics and factors including but not limited to: impact reports from our nonprofit partners, internal and external surveys, research project results, increased awareness and education about homelessness amongst our railroaders, increased employee engagement with key funding partners, funding requests in line with CN’s corporate giving programs and increased recognition of CN’s philanthropic leadership.

How do I submit a request for a donation or sponsorship? Please complete the application form. Only requests submitted online by a nonprofit organization will be considered for funding by CN.

Note: CN’s focus is to provide funding for supportive services that help people stay housed safely. We will respectfully decline any funding applications for bricks-and-mortar housing projects. Thank you for your understanding.

If your Indigenous community or organization is seeking sponsorships or donations, we invite you to submit your request with our Indigenous Relations team . What types of organizations or requests are not eligible to receive funding from CN? Due to the significant volume of requests that CN receives, we must prioritize funding for certain types of organizations.

At the current time, these types of organizations or requests are not eligible to receive funding from CN: Politically affiliated programs, organizations or lobbyists Business or contract fundraisers Private elementary and high schools Religious or sectarian organizations (except for non-denominational projects or activities organized for the benefit of society in general) Individuals or individual families Multimedia and art productions including films (documentary and feature), music and plays Initiatives benefitting people outside Canada and US Learn more about CN’s Community Investments --> Due to high demand, CN must prioritize funding.

We do not support requests related to: Private or for profit entities Brick and mortar or infrastructure projects Initiatives outside Canada and the U.S. Arts or media productions Festivals or community events (BBQ, Picnic, etc.) Amateur or professional sports teams Playgrounds or play structures Daycares, public or private elementary or high schools Animal shelters and rehabilitation Historical organizations (including museums) Initiatives not in proximity to CN tracks Learn more about CN’s Community Investments 2026, Canadian National Railway Company