The National Runaway Switchboard

The National Runaway Switchboard handles more than 100,000 calls each year from runaway, homeless and at-risk youth, and their families through its 1-800-RUNAWAY crisis hotline. 

NRS provides critical assistance, including:

1.  Information and referrals to shelter, food, counseling, alcohol/drug treatment, medical/legal assistance, as well as child protection.

2.  Home Free helps reunite runaway youth with their families with a free bus ticket home.

3.  Prevention and educational materials, including resources to support teachers and community group leaders, in an effort to educate youth on how to cope with crisis situations and inform them about alternatives to running from home.

The National Runaway Switchboard is the federally-designated national communication system for homeless and runaway youth.  The NRS crisis hotline phone number, once again, is 1-800-RUNAWAY.