National Runaway Safeline

Become a Crisis Services Volunteer

Crisis services volunteers are the heart of the National Runaway Safeline. We count on our volunteers to be there for youth and families in crisis 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

What do crisis services volunteers do?

The National Runaway Safeline’s crisis services volunteers connect with runaway, homeless and at-risk youth and their families at their most vulnerable moments. It is with the support of our committed, trained volunteers that we are able to provide our critical, free services 24/7.

NRS crisis services volunteers offer a safe, non-judgmental space for youth to discuss the issues they face, such as abuse, neglect, family conflicts, bullying and more.

For example, when a 14-year-old boy calls our hotline seeking shelter from the cold, a volunteer listens and together they devise a plan to ensure the teen’s safety and well-being.

And when a 17-year-old girl sends a chat message explaining she is far from home and wants to be reconnected with family, but is penniless, a volunteer helps by assessing the situation, contacting her parent or guardian and possibly sending her home through the Home Free program, offered in partnership with Greyhound.

Volunteer Requirements:

  • Be at least 16 years of age;
  • Commit to a regular shift for a minimum of 2 hours a week for at least 6 months;
  • Successfully complete a background check; and
  • Complete the 40 hour crisis services volunteer training.

How to start volunteering at NRS

 

All of our volunteers start by attending a volunteer orientation session. This orientation includes an introduction to the National Runaway Safeline, runaway and homeless youth issues and information about volunteer training, duties and expectations.

If you have any questions, please contact volunteer@1800RUNAWAY.org

Interested in supporting NRS in other ways?

Steps to become a crisis services volunteer:

Orientation
Make a commitment to volunteer
Complete background check
Participate in an interview
Listen to a Crisis contact
Complete training
Sign up for a regular shift
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