According to the National Runaway Safeline, approximately 1.6 to 2.8 million youth runaway in the United States each year. Through research, it has been found that at least half of these children and teens are trying to escape something whether it be abuse or neglect in the household, bullying at school, a family-related problem, or uncertainties regarding their gender identity or s*******y. Regardless of the reason an adolescent decides to flee from home, one thing’s for sure: it’s a difficult issue to address.
However, for the past two-and-a-half decades and counting, Greyhound has been partnering with the National Runaway Safeline to ensure runaway youth are able to get back to their families as part of their Home Free Program. Since 1995, the program has provided aid for over 16,000 families by providing free Greyhound bus rides to homesick runaways.
In order to get a free Greyhound ticket, one must call the National Runaway Safeline hotline at 1-800-RUNAWAY and be between the ages of 12 to 21. In addition, they must not only be willing to return back home, but someone in their family must agree to take them back in. Greyhound allows each individual the chance to use Home Free two times. And for runaways who are under the age of 15, their parent or guardian will also be provided a free Greyhound ticket.
After a runaway or homeless individual returns back home via the Home Free Program, the National Runaway Safeline provides resources and makes occasional follow-ups to keep the family together.
According to the National Runaway Safeline website, “National Runaway Safeline (NRS), formerly known as the National Runaway Switchboard, is the federally-designated national communication system for runaway and homeless youth. Youth and family members connect to the 1-800-RUNAWAY hotline or 1800RUNAWAY.org online crisis services to work through problems and find local help from social service agencies and organizations. Some individuals just need someone to talk to, others need help finding shelter, food, medical assistance, or counseling. Some youth are on the streets. Others are struggling with issues at home. And NRS is here to listen, here to help 24/7/365.”
While not everyone eligible will take advantage, and some runaways may not be accepted back home, the program is still helping thousands of people who have run away get back to where they belong.
Learn more by watching the video below. Click here if you’re interested in discovering more information about the Home Free Program and how it may help you or a loved one.
