Greyhound offers free rides home for runaways ages 12 to 21

Greyhound bus, partnered with the National Runaway Safeline, is offering free rides home to runaways between the ages of 12 and 21.

It is a part of their Home Free program that provides around 400 kids and teenagers every year with a safe ride home, according to Greyhound. | Find a Greyhound stop near you. The program requires that the child calls the NRS helpline -- 1-800-RUNAWAY or 1-800-786-2929 -- and be willing to be reunited with their family. The child must also be listed on a runaway report to be eligible for a Greyhound ticket home.

Greyhound noted on their website that the Home Free program can only be used on two occasions by the same person.

A parent or legal guardian can also receive a free ticket if the runaway is under 15 years of age.

National Runaway Safeline provided many statistics on reasons for runaway such as abuse; but their focus is creating a safe space for children to find support. They have also included information for youths who are struggling because of COVID-19.