The National Runaway Switchboard (NRS) kicked off runaway prevention month Nov. 2 at Wrigley Field with a billboard lighting event.
Chicago Cubs executives, 44th Ward Ald. Tom Tunney and NRS team members gathered in front of Wrigley to distribute fluorescent green socks and light bulbs for the Green Light Project. Founded by NRS, the project encourages people to light their porches green to show support.
After brief remarks by Tunney and Cubs Vice-President of Community Affairs Mike Lufrano, the Wrigley Field sign was lit with an NRS message reading "National Runaway Prevention Month, 1-800-RUNAWAY." It will run intermittently throughout November.
"What we want to do today is call attention to [the runaway epidemic], to use the month of November and this fluorescent greenwhich is really loudto let people know that there's help," Lufrano said. "[We want] to let runaways know that there is a place you can go and there are people who really do care."
NRS Outreach Coordinator Lashawnda Carter said messaging in such a high-profile location is especially important.
"People think that runaways are defiantthey don't want to listen to their parents," Carter said. "But really a lot of them are running from difficult situations, whether they're being neglected, caring for younger siblings or living with parents who are abusive and alcoholics… Some of them are even thrown out, [especially] in the LGBT community."
It's estimated that as many as 20-40 percent of all homeless youth identify as LGBT. In Chicago, many of these young people flock to Lakeview for its myriad social services.
"Lakeview has always been considered a safe haven," Tunney said. "What's interesting now is how to balance the gentrification with a need to make sure we are welcoming to everyone. That's certainly been an issue that I have experiencedand also adapting to what safety is needed for the kids, for the community, and certainly, for LGBTs."
Located at Lincoln and Barry avenues, the NRS celebrated its 40th anniversary this year. The group offers youth services while operating a 24-hour crisis hotline that's maintained mostly by volunteers.
To learn more about the National Runaway Switchboard or the Green Light Project, visit www.1800runaway.org .