Greyhound has partnered with the National Runaway Safeline (NRS) to offer runaway kids a free ticket home as part of the Home Free program.
Greyhound’s website says that “To be eligible for a Greyhound ticket home, the child has to call the NRS helpline, be between 12 and 21 years old, be named on a runaway report and be willing to be reunited with their family.”
“Youth must also agree to complete the necessary steps to obtain a ticket through the Home Free Program,” the press release reads. “On occasion, parents, guardians, or another adult family member designated by the parent or guardian may also receive a round-trip ticket to travel to the youth’s location, so they can accompany the youth home.”
The NRS will help the youth find a local safe place, such as a police station or homeless shelter. Once the youth is in a safe place, the Home Free application process will begin.
Greyhound tells the Atlanta Journal-Constitution that approximately 400 youth use the program each year.
Home Free can only be used twice by the same person.
Greyhound will also give a free ticket to the parent or legal guardian if the young person is under 15.
To start the process, call the NRS hotline at 1-800-RUNAWAY and speak privately with NRS staff about the situation.
