CN commits CA$100 million for homelessness prevention

On May 20, CN announced a CA$100 million, 10-year commitment to support the prevention of homelessness through its new signature giving initiative, CN Railroaders for Change. The initiative will partner with existing community-based nonprofit organizations focused on early intervention and sustainable solutions.

“Homelessness is a growing challenge that requires sustained action and collaboration," said CN’s Senior Vice-President and Chief Legal Officer Olivier Chouc. “Through this initiative, we are raising awareness to help remove the stigma around the issue and build long-term partnerships with organizations focused on delivering measurable impact in communities where we operate. Together, we can help create safer communities by supporting pathways to stable housing and essential services.”

The new commitment builds on previous partnerships. In 2025, CN partnered with Canadian Alliance to End Homelessness, committing CA$1 million to support data-driven research. Earlier this year, CN announced funding for local organizations near its training facilities in Homewood, Illinois, and Winnipeg, Manitoba. 

Individual CA$250,000 gifts for the new initiative will be directed to four nonprofit organizations in the Montreal area to provide immediate relief and support long-term stability. The funding will reduce reliance on already overcrowded emergency shelters, helping at-risk individuals remain safely housed and access resources and support services, CN officials said. The donations will support programs serving individuals and families, as well as addressing specific needs of youth, women, First Nations and Métis.

CN will direct future funds to support organizations and projects delivering measurable impact and long-term solutions to the issue of homelessness in the communities where CN railroaders live and work; CN Railroaders for Change will accept applications during the next funding cycle, beginning July 1.