This month, as part of our “Grants on Track” series, Norfolk Southern is proud to highlight a grant recipient that is making an impact in the lives of young people in Detroit, Michigan. Covenant House Michigan, a nonprofit dedicated to helping youth overcome homelessness and trafficking, has received Norfolk Southern Thriving Communities grant funding for two consecutive years, with a recent award of $20,000 in 2024 to further expand their emergency shelter services.

Through its comprehensive programs, Covenant House Michigan guides youth toward brighter futures, helping them achieve stability and realize their potential. Over the past year, our support has enabled the organization to impact nearly 2,000 young people, with remarkable outcomes, including the successful transition of 160 youth to long-term stable housing.

Our funding has also supported Covenant House Michigan’s core services, including individual case management, career training, and on-site medical, mental, and behavioral health care. These specialized services are more essential than ever, as an increasing number of young people face significant mental health challenges. Additionally, with our grant funding, Covenant House Michigan expanded their outreach by 18 percent, allowing them to reach and engage nearly 200 more youth.

“Covenant House Michigan is truly grateful to receive Thriving Communities grant funding from Norfolk Southern,” said Tim Hudson, Chief Development Officer for Covenant House Michigan. “We provide shelter, wraparound services, educational and vocational programs, transitional housing, mental health support and more to youth ages 18-24 experiencing homelessness in Detroit and Grand Rapids. We are inspired by partners like Norfolk Southern who invest in the future of our young people and prioritize safe, resilient, and thriving communities.”

As November is Homelessness Awareness Month, we proudly recognize Covenant House Michigan as one of several organizations we support in their mission to combat homelessness and create opportunity for vulnerable youth. Through our Thriving Communities grant program, we are committed to helping nonprofits like Covenant House Michigan uplift lives and foster long-term stability for those most in need.

Our grant program is currently closed for 2024 but will reopen again in April 2025. We encourage all eligible organizations to apply to our Safety First or Thriving Communities Grant Programs on our company website once it reopens: Grant Programs | Norfolk Southern.