Crisis Volunteer for National Runaway Safeline

Crisis line volunteers are the heart of National Runaway Safeline (NRS). We count on our volunteers to be there for youth and families in crisis 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

What do crisis line volunteers do?

The National Runaway Safeline’s crisis line volunteers connect with runaway, homeless and at-risk youth and their families at their most vulnerable moments. It is with the support of our committed, trained volunteers that we are able to provide our critical, free services 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

NRS crisis line volunteers offer a safe, non-judgmental space for youth to discuss the issues they face, such as abuse, neglect, family conflicts, bullying and more.

When a 14-year-old boy calls our toll-free number seeking shelter from the cold, a volunteer listens and together they devise a plan to ensure the teen’s safety and well-being.

And when a 17-year-old girl sends a chat message explaining she is far from home and wants to be reconnected with family, but is penniless, a volunteer helps by assessing the situation, contacting her parent or guardian and possibly sending her home through the Home Free program offered in partnership with Greyhound.

Volunteer Requirements:

• Be at least 16 years of age;
• Commit to a regular shift for a minimum of 2 hours a week for at least 6 months;
• Be available to serve at our Chicago crisis services center;
• Successfully complete a background check; and
• Complete the 40 hour crisis line volunteer training.

How to start volunteering at NRS:

All of our volunteers start by attending a volunteer orientation session. This orientation includes an introduction to the National Runaway Safeline, runaway and homeless youth issues and information about volunteer training, duties and expectations.

Click here to sign up for volunteer orientation 

Steps to becoming a crisis line volunteer:

Reach out to Jamin Draves, Volunteer Coordinator, with any questions at jdraves@1800RUNAWAY.org or 773-289-1726.