Dear Friends of NRS,
We know that we are in the midst of a challenging and uncertain time in our local communities, across the country and worldwide. Throughout this crisis, the National Runaway Safeline (NRS) is committed to supporting those in need 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. NRS has been providing 24-hour crisis support for nearly 50 years and we may be needed now more than ever before.
As the national communication system for runaway, homeless and at-risk youth, NRS is hearing firsthand how COVID-19 is causing emotional, physical and financial challenges to our country’s most vulnerable youth and families.
We know that we all – youth and adults – are experiencing feelings of anxiety and stress brought on by this crisis. Those served by NRS, however, are enduring added challenges associated with unstable housing, neglectful families, food insecurity and simply put – daily survival.
Our top priority is ensuring the health, well-being and security of our community.
NRS will continue to provide crisis intervention services, support and access to local resources to youth ages 12 to 21 and their families through our hotline, 1-800-RUNAWAY (786-2929) and live chat, emails and forums at 1800RUNAWAY.org. We already support approximately 100,000 youth and families each year – and during crises like the one we are experiencing today, we know that the need for our services will continue to increase.
We are responding by listening to a young person’s concerns, helping youth devise an action plan to ensure their safety, connecting people to critical local resources, and arranging transportation through our Home Free program for youth ready to return home or to another safe living arrangement and more.
Our team will be working with partners across the nation to ensure access to a wide range of services. We are working with college and university students to utilize our Home Free program if they find themselves without housing and/or access to transportation resulting from their educational institution closing.
Now – and always – we must support each other as best we can. Please visit our website, 1800RUNAWAY.org for more information about NRS. If you know of youth or families in crisis, please encourage them to contact NRS via our hotline 1-800-786-2929 or through our online crisis services, including live chat, emails and forums at 1800RUNAWAY.org.
Thank you, and be safe and healthy.
With warm regards,
Susan Frankel
Chief Executive Officer
National Runaway Safeline
