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Since 1995, the Home Free program has assisted more than 16,000 families by busing runaways home for free via a partnership with Greyhound and the National Runaway Safeline.
Around 400 runaways a year take advantage of the offer, Greyhound says.
With the “Home Free” program, runaways:
- Must be between 12 and 21 years old;
- Must be named on a runaway report;
- Must be willing to be reunited with their family;
- Must have family members or guardians willing to take them back.
Greyhound will also provide a free ticket for a parent or legal guardian if a runaway is 15 or younger.
The free rides have a limit. Runaways can’t use it more than twice.
All they need do is call the National Runaway Safeline's toll-free 24/7 hotline: 1-800-RUNAWAY (1-800-786-2929).
While arranging the ride, the NRS works with runaways and their families to create a plan for their return and identify specific support resources in the community. It continues to act as a resource itself for those in need.
Nearly 7% of U.S. youth run away from home each year -- more than 1.5 million children and adolescents annually, according to the National Clearinghouse on Homeless Youths and Families.
Runaways are “dealing with a situation that feels overwhelming, be it family dynamics, bullying, gender identity or being lured from home over the Internet,” the NRS says. “They believe living anywhere else is better; even if this means living on the streets."
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