Greyhound Marks 30th Anniversary Of Its Home Free Program

Over 20,000 runaway youth and their family members have been reunited nationwide

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Dec 28, 2017, 15:22 ET

DALLAS, Dec. 28, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- This year, Greyhound marks the 30^th anniversary of Home Free, a program designed to reunite runaway youth with their families. Established by Greyhound in 1987, the company has provided free transportation to more than 20,000 youth and their family members across the United States. With the National Runaway Safeline (NRS) serving as Greyhound's exclusive partner for Home Free since 1995, the program continues to be a staple of Greyhound's commitment to serving communities nationwide.

The Home Free program provides free Greyhound tickets to runaway youth between the ages of 12 – 21 who would like to be reunited with their families. By contacting the NRS helpline, eligible youth receive resources that ultimately lead to a safe and successful reunification process. If a young person is under the age of 15, the program will also provide a ticket for their parent or legal guardian.

"Greyhound's 22-year partnership with the National Runaway Safeline has been invaluable in creating a safe and successful reunification process for runaway youth and their families," said Kim Plaskett, vice president of marketing, Greyhound Lines, Inc. "It is our hope that continuing to provide resources to runaway youth will bring comfort to those looking to reconnect with their loved ones."

According to the NRS, about two million young people run away each year, leaving them at risk for homelessness, exploitation, assault, illness and suicide. By providing young people the opportunity to return to a safe environment, the Home Free program is vital to the protection of vulnerable youth.

"The Home Free program partnership between Greyhound Lines, Inc. and the National Runaway Safeline (NRS) has had a tremendous impact on communities by providing youth and their families a safe path towards crisis resolution," said Maureen Blaha, executive director, National Runaway Safeline. "NRS is honored that Greyhound Lines, Inc. selected us as their charitable partner for the Home Free program."

In order to qualify for the Home Free program, youth between the ages of 12 and 21 must contact the NRS at 1-800-RUNAWAY and be listed on an official runaway report. Runaway youth and their families must also mutually agree on reunification. For more information, please visit www.1800runaway.org.

About Greyhound
Greyhound is the largest North American provider of intercity bus transportation, serving more than 3,800 destinations across the continent. The company also provides Greyhound Package Express (GPX) and charter services. For fare and schedule information and to buy tickets call 1-800-661-8747 or visit the website at www.greyhound.com. For the latest news and travel deals, follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/GreyhoundBus, Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GreyhoundBus, follow us on Instagram at www.instagram.com/greyhoundlines, download a high resolution photo at www.bit.ly/GreyhoundBusPhotos, or follow our award-winning blog, The Hound, at http://www.bloggreyhound.com.

SOURCE Greyhound Lines, Inc.