How to Get a Free Bus Ticket Home if You’re Stranded and Homeless

Being stranded far from home and without money can be overwhelming, especially if you’re homeless and don’t know where to turn for help. Fortunately, there are compassionate organizations, programs, and individuals who can help you get a free bus ticket back to your family or a safe place. This guide explains the main resources you can contact, eligibility requirements, and tips for getting help quickly.

1. Contact Local Homeless Shelters and Outreach Centers

Many homeless shelters and nonprofit outreach centers offer transportation assistance for stranded people. Some offer direct bus tickets, while others partner with agencies that do.

1. Call or visit your nearest homeless shelter.
2. Explain your situation clearly: mention that you are stranded and need a bus ticket to get home.
3. Ask if they offer “transportation assistance,” “reunification programs,” or “travel vouchers.”

2. Churches and Charities That Offer Free Bus Tickets

The Salvation Army

A global Christian charity that offers emergency assistance, including food, shelter, and sometimes free bus tickets, for people stranded or trying to reunite with their families.

They work with local social workers to verify your need and can purchase or sponsor a bus ticket.

Visit your nearest Salvation Army community center or call your local office.

Catholic Charities

A large faith-based organization operating in many U.S. cities, offering support for housing, meals, and transportation.

They can provide bus tickets to homeless people to travel to a verified safe place or to a relative.

Check with your local Catholic Charities branch and request an appointment.

Society of St. Vincent de Paul

A Catholic lay organization dedicated to assisting low-income and homeless people with essential items such as rental assistance, food, and transportation.

They can offer bus vouchers or arrange rides through partner agencies.

Visit a St. Vincent de Paul thrift store, a parish office, or a local helpline.

United Methodist Church

A Christian denomination whose local congregations often implement community outreach programs.

Some Methodist churches have endowment funds that can cover bus tickets or local transit passes in an emergency.

Call or visit Methodist churches in your area to inquire about transportation assistance.

Lutheran Social Services (LSS)

A national network of charities affiliated with the Lutheran Church that assist low-income and homeless people.

They may offer transportation assistance, including bus fare payments, for relocation to safe housing or with a relative.

Find the local LSS office in your state.

Episcopal Church Outreach Ministries

Many Episcopal churches organize community outreach programs to assist the homeless.

Some parishes offer emergency travel assistance or bus tickets when funds allow.

Find an Episcopal parish in your area and ask for their outreach coordinator.

Churches of Christ

Congregations in this network often offer assistance to stranded travelers or the homeless. They may fund a one-way bus ticket after a needs assessment. Call your local Church of Christ office or ministry.

Local Independent Community Churches

Smaller, non-denominational churches often use special donations to help people in crisis. Buy bus tickets directly or provide vouchers for public transportation. Visit the church in person; these churches rarely have formal application systems.

3. Use the Travelers Aid Network

The International Travelers Aid Network is a nonprofit organization that specifically helps stranded travelers, including homeless people, return home.

They offer free or discounted bus or train tickets if you meet the eligibility requirements.

Proof of a safe place to go (e.g., a family member willing to host you) is often required.

Assistance is available in many major U.S. cities.

How to apply:

Visit travelersaid.org to find your nearest office.

Contact them directly or ask a shelter worker for a referral.

4. Consult with Social Services or the Department of Human Services (DHS).

Your local government social services office may offer assistance with emergency transportation, especially if:

• You are fleeing domestic violence.
• You need to connect with a reliable support system.
• You have children with you.

What to prepare:

• Governmental identification (if you have one).
• Contact information for a family member or friend who can confirm you can stay.
• A brief explanation of your situation.

6. Ask a Family Member or Friend to Buy the Ticket Online

If you know someone willing to help, but can’t send cash, you can:

Buy a Greyhound, Megabus, or Amtrak ticket online.

We’ll send you a confirmation code so you can pick up the ticket at the station with your ID (or answer the verification questions if you don’t have ID).

7. Contact the bus company directly

Some bus companies have compassionate policies or partner with charities:

Greyhound’s “Home Free” program (in partnership with the National Runaway Safety Line) offers free tickets for runaway youth between the ages of 12 and 21 to return home.

If you’re not in that age range, politely ask customer service if they have any charity travel programs or discounts for stranded passengers.

Tips to improve your chances of getting help

Have the address and phone number of the person you’re traveling with ready.

Be respectful and patient: social workers and charities often handle many requests.

Explain the urgency: If you are in danger, fleeing abuse, or stranded in unsafe conditions, state this clearly.

Use multiple resources: Don’t rely on just one agency; contact several.

Final Thoughts

Being stranded without money is a frightening experience, but help is available. Shelters, charities, government agencies, and even transportation companies have programs to reunite people with their families. The key is to make contact, explain your situation clearly, and be ready to provide details about where you need to go and who will be there to support you. additional resources.

Quick Resource List:

Salvation Army: salvationarmyusa.org

Catholic Charities USA: catholiccharitiesusa.org

Traveler’s Aid International: travelersaid.org

National Runaway Safeline (Greyhound Home Free Program): 1-800-786-2929