+++ Home Free initiative has helped thousands of youth find their way home since 1995
DALLAS, November 4, 2025 — Greyhound, a Flix North America brand and the nation’s largest provider of intercity bus transportation, is proud to celebrate 30 years of partnering with the National Runaway Safeline (NRS) through the Home Free program. This program provides free intercity bus tickets to help runaway, homeless, and exploited youth return home or reach a safe, stable environment.
20,000+ lives changed since 1995
Since its inception in 1995, the Home Free program has reunited nearly 20,000 children and young people with their families or care providers nationwide. By removing the barrier of transportation, Greyhound and NRS offer a lifeline to youth in crisis, helping reduce long-term risks of homelessness, trafficking, and violence. Each year, Greyhound provides hundreds of free rides to those aged 12 to 21 who meet NRS eligibility criteria, ensuring they can access the support they need to safely move forward with their lives. In 2024 alone, nearly 900 bus tickets were provided to those in need.
“At Greyhound, we believe in the power of connection not just between cities, but between people and the places they call home,” said Karina Frayter, Head of Corporate Affairs at Flix North America, the parent company of Greyhound. “For three decades, the Home Free program has put that belief into action, helping young people in crisis reach safe and supportive living environments. We greatly value our longstanding partnership with the National Runaway Safeline and remain committed to ensuring that every young person has a path forward.”
Giving vulnerable youth a way home
Each year, an estimated 4.2 million young people between the ages of 13 and 25 experience homelessness in the United States. Many of them face unimaginable challenges — from sleeping on couches or in shelters to struggling to find food, stay healthy, finish school, and remain safe from violence.
"Every day, we hear from young people experiencing homelessness who need support and resources. For those who are ready to return home or to another safe location, the challenge is often a lack of funds and an inability to secure transportation,” said Amanda Whitlock, LCSW, Chief Operating Officer at National Runaway Safeline. “They may find themselves thousands of miles from family, so we are very fortunate to be able to offer them a free bus ticket to return home."
Today, through its extensive national network, Greyhound plays a critical role in helping at-risk youth reach family and care providers — even in the most remote or rural communities where transportation options are limited.
The 30-year partnership anniversary milestone coincides with Youth Homelessness Outreach, Prevention, and Education (HOPE) Month, a nationwide effort to raise awareness of youth homelessness and recognize the importance of programs like Home Free that provide hope, safety, and connection.
For more information about the Home Free program, visit www.1800runaway.org or www.greyhound.com.