New Report from the National Runaway Safeline Reveals the Circumstances and Needs of Young People in Crisis and at Risk of Homelessness

CHICAGO, Oct. 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Runaway Safeline (NRS), in collaboration with the American Institutes for Research, today announced the release of a new report, Prevention Needs and Opportunities for Young People at Risk of Homelessness, featuring an analysis of data collected from more than 100,000 youth and families who interacted with NRS between 2019 and 2023. The findings showcase the nuanced differences in the characteristics, experiences, and challenges of young people in crisis, at imminent risk of homelessness, or homeless, revealing opportunities for prevention in both the practice and policy realms. 

"These findings help us better understand the experiences and challenges of young people across the country and will enable frontline staff, program administrators, policymakers, and youth advocates to more effectively respond to the needs of this population," said Amanda Whitlock, LCSW, CEO of the National Runaway Safeline. "It's clear that prevention efforts, such as early interventions and addressing family conflict, as well as reducing barriers to seeking help are among the successful strategies to keep young people safe and stably housed."

Youth homelessness is a considerable challenge for communities nationwide, with a growing number of people under the age of 25 reported to be experiencing unaccompanied homelessness in recent years. Homelessness in adolescence and early adulthood can have serious repercussions for young people's health and well-being, and as such, it is critical to understand how to prevent homelessness among young people.

While each young person who contacted NRS between 2019 and 2023 presented unique characteristics, circumstances, challenges, and needs, the researchers found the majority were female, White/Caucasian, and under the age of 18. Also, more than half reached out from home, and only 17% had previously been homeless. Furthermore, family dynamics were the most reported area of need, with 83% of contacts seeking crisis intervention services to address challenges with their families.

United States Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) secured funding for this research project. She shared, "Every child should have access to a safe place to sleep at night—yet far too many end up on the street with nowhere to go. The National Runaway Safeline is critical in helping young Americans in times of need, and this funding will bring us closer to our shared goal of keeping runaway, homeless and at-risk youth safe. At a time when the Trump Administration has continued to revoke so much critical funding across the country, I will continue working to make sure NRS and organizations like it get the necessary federal support to protect our children."

Guided by the team's experience in crisis intervention services for runaway and homeless youth and reinforced by the research findings, NRS recommends:

• Service providers ensure young people and their families can access prevention and early intervention services; understand the local landscape of resources and make strategic warm hand-offs for community-based services that address the comprehensive needs of all family members; and ensure that programs serving young people incorporate youth-centered policies in supportive services to promote continuity in program engagement and successful completion.
• Policymakers increase public awareness of state and federal services and resources, including the National Runaway Safeline; destigmatize asking for help; permit the expansion of existing policy solutions, such as the Family First Prevention Services Act, to better meet the needs of families for whom conflict may lead young people to leave home.
• Young people who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness should reach out to NRS or a local service provider to discuss their challenges and specific needs, ultimately avoiding housing loss and ensuring connection to the right services. Also, recognizing the importance of incorporating the youth voice into youth homelessness initiatives, NRS recommends youth with lived experience join a youth advisory board where they can support advocacy and expand awareness.

To read the full report and access summaries relevant to policymakers, service providers, and youth advocates, visit https://www.nationalrunawaysafeline.org/youth-homeless-prevention-report. 

About the National Runaway Safeline (NRS)
Founded in 1971, the National Runaway Safeline (NRS) operates 1-800-RUNAWAY, the federally funded national communication system for youth and young adults who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness and those who care about them. Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, NRS offers crisis intervention services through calls, texts, chats, emails, and an online forum. Youth and families receive nonjudgmental, nonsectarian, and nondirective support. For more information, visit https://www.1800runaway.org/.

Media Contact:
Beth Richman
[email protected]
312-806-8999

SOURCE National Runaway Safeline