About Us
Since 1974, National Runaway Safeline has been responding to youth and families in crisis, serving as the national communications system (AKA 1-800-RUNAWAY) for runaway and homeless youth.
1-800-RUNAWAY started as an eight-month federal demonstration grant in 1974 receiving 11,000 calls and establishing the need for a national hotline. Since then, NRS’ capabilities and services have grown considerably with the addition of online services and text and chat capabilities.
Reaching Thousands of Youth When They Need Help Most
Annually, NRS averages 85,000 contacts via phone, text, chat, email and new forum inquiries and over 500,000 views of our websites, social media and forums offering help and hope for youth in crisis
Making Youth Crisis Support Possible
1-800-RUNAWAY services are provided through funding from and in partnership with the Family and Youth Services Bureau in the Administration for Children, Youth and Families, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. In addition, private funding is raised from foundations, corporations and individuals to support the Home Free Programming, which provides free Greyhound tickets for youth looking to return home or to an alternative living situation.