US REP. JAN SCHAKOWSKY, NATIONAL RUNAWAY SWITCHBOARD ANNOUNCE NEW HOTLINE NUMBER FOR RUNAWAY, HOMELESS YOUTH

World’s Oldest Hotline Introduces 1-800-RUNAWAY, 1800RUNAWAY.org

CHICAGO (April 18, 2005) – US Representative Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) joined the National Runaway Switchboard (NRS) today in announcing a new hotline number and Web address for youth in crisis and youth “contemplating” running from home – 1-800-RUNAWAY and www.1800RUNAWAY.org.

“More than 1,200 youth in the United States run away from home each day,” said Schakowsky.  “Without organizations such as the National Runaway Switchboard, over a million youth each year would have nowhere to turn during a time of crisis.”

NRS helps thousands of youth, parents, guardians, and people advocating for youth learn about information, resources and services in their community such as shelter and housing, healthcare, crisis intervention, child abuse protective services, and career counseling.

“We are committed to helping America’s runaway and at-risk youth remain safe and off the streets,” said Maureen Blaha, NRS executive director.  “1-800-RUNAWAY is a simple number and web address for youth to remember when looking for help, someone to talk to, or a way home.”

As part of the 1-800-RUNAWAY announcement, NRS is distributing a video public service announcement (PSA) to television stations, and written PSAs to radio stations across the country.  With the new 800 hotline number and Web address, people will still be able to contact and access NRS through its existing number,
1-800-621-4000, and Web site address, www.nrscrisisline.org.

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 in the world, NRS, with the support of more than 150 volunteers, has handled more than 3 million calls in its 34-year history and handled over 111,000 calls last year.   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 10,000 youth have been reunited with their families through NRS’ Home Free program, done in collaboration with Greyhound Lines, Inc.  The NRS crisis hotline is 1-800-RUNAWAY. 
For more information visit www.1800RUNAWAY.org.