Greyhound Lines Inc. and the National Runaway Safeline (NRS) offer runaway, homeless, and exploited youth free transportation home or to a safe and stable location.
According to the NRS, young people and adults between the ages of 12 and 21 who identify as homeless, runaways, or victims of human trafficking are eligible. They must be willing to reunite with their family and agree to complete the necessary steps to obtain a ticket through the program.
The Home Free Program, established in 1995, also provides parents, guardians, and other family members with a round-trip ticket to travel to the individual’s location.
Youth between the ages of 18 and 21 are entitled to one ticket throughout their lifetime, while those under that age may use the program twice.
Once home, participants must agree to a follow-up call to verify their arrival and review the use of local resources agreed upon during the process.
According to the NRS, in 2017, 313 young people received bus tickets through the Home Free program, including 19 youth who identified labor or sex trafficking as a contributing factor to their need for transportation assistance.
To begin the process, you must call the NRS hotline at 1-800-RUNAWAY and speak privately with NRS staff about your situation.
For more details, eligibility information, and restrictions, click here.
