The National Runaway Switchboard (NRS) handles more than 100,000 calls each year from runaway, homeless and at-risk youth and their families through its 1-800-RUNAWAY crisis hotline. Calls spike during times of change—such as the beginning and end of the school year

NRS, through its 1-800-RUNAWAY crisis hotline provides critical assistance, including:

·         Information and referrals to shelter, food, and medical/legal assistance, counseling, alcohol/drug treatment, and child protection.

·         Home Free helps reunite runaway youth with their families through a free bus ticket home. NRS’ Home Free Program has provided more than 14,000 free rides home for runaways through its partnership with Greyhound Lines, Inc.

·         Prevention and educational materials such as Let’s Talk, Runaway Prevention Curriculum, a free resource to support teachers and community group leaders in their efforts to educate youth on how to cope with crisis situations and inform them about alternatives to running from home. 

Statistics from NRS’ crisis caller trend report:

·         There has been a 473 percent increase in crisis calls to the NRS that cite the economy as a problem (2001-2010). Data for this statistic is limited to an eight-year time period.

·         The number of homeless youth calling NRS has increased 611 percent since 2000.

·         To survive, more crisis callers turned to panhandling (177 percent increase), the sex industry (69 percent increase), and stealing (11 percent increase) since 2000.

About the National Runaway Switchboard:  The National Runaway Switchboard, established in 1971, serves as the federally-designated national communication system for homeless and runaway youth. Recognized as the oldest hotline of its kind in the world, NRS, with the support of more than 150 volunteers, handles an average of 100,000 calls annually – more than 3 million calls since the organization’s inception. NRS provides crisis intervention, referrals to local resources, and education and prevention services to youth, families and community members throughout the country 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Over 14,000 youth have been reunited with their families through the NRS Home Free program done in collaboration with Greyhound Lines, Inc. The NRS crisis hotline is 1-800-RUNAWAY. For more information, visit http://www.1800RUNAWAY.org.