Helping Birmingham women and families find a place to call home

For women and families experiencing chronic homelessness in Birmingham, Alabama, finding housing is one step toward lasting stability. A $10,000 Norfolk Southern Thriving Communities grant is helping Pathways Inc. provide housing assistance and support services that help clients move into homes and stay housed.

Top takeaways

• Norfolk Southern’s 2025 grant of $10,000 has supported Pathways’ permanent supportive housing initiative for women and families experiencing chronic homelessness.
• Pathways social workers are placing clients in available housing while the organization works toward acquiring a dedicated permanent supportive housing site.
• This year Norfolk Southern has donated $15,000, bringing the total contribution amount to $65,000 since 2022.

Why it matters

Stable housing gives families a foundation for pursuing education, employment, and greater independence. Pathways pairs housing placement with ongoing support to help clients address barriers that could put that stability at risk.

Dina, a single mother served by Pathways, is one example of what that support can mean for a family. She remained focused on finding a home for her family while continuing her education and pursuing employment. Now housed, Dina and her family are taking another step toward the future she has worked to build.

How the grant helps

Norfolk Southern’s funding supports direct program costs, including housing modifications and client support services. Pathways reports progress in three areas:

• Housing placement and retention: Social workers are helping current clients move into available permanent supportive housing and providing ongoing assistance to help them remain housed.
• Property search: The organization is working with a realtor to identify and tour potential properties for a permanent supportive housing site.
• Planning for growth: Pathways has engaged a consultant to help plan a capital campaign to fund the property acquisition.

What they’re saying

“Strong communities start with people having the support they need to build a stable future. Pathways brings that commitment to life by helping women and families find housing and stay housed. Supporting their work is one way we can help strengthen the Birmingham community.” - Kristin Wong, Director Norfolk Southern Foundation & Community Impact

“Norfolk Southern’s investment is helping Pathways clients secure stable housing and stay housed, ending the chronic homelessness they have lived with for so long. This support lets us address the many barriers that stand in the way at every step of the process. Because of Norfolk Southern’s generosity, the lives of individuals and families are being transformed.” - Jennifer Sumner, Executive Director, Pathways Inc.

What’s next: Building on the success of the 2025 grant, Norfolk Southern awarded an additional $15,000 grant in 2026 to expand Pathways' housing and workforce development services. Today, Pathways continues placing clients in available housing and expand its supportive housing services once a property is acquired.

To learn more about Norfolk Southern’s Thriving Communities program and other community investments, click here.