We just wrapped up Latinx Heritage Month at Lyft, where we recognized and celebrated the diverse experiences of Lyft’s latinx community—including our riders, drivers, employees, and the broader communities that we serve every day.
This year’s theme was “Resiliencia” (Resilience), the power and strength of an individual to overcome hardship. Over the last year, Latinx communities have been disproportionately affected by COVID-19, contracting the virus at nearly double the overall U.S. rate, while also facing record unemployment, homelessness, and food insecurity. Lyft has been actively working to address these issues through our Jobs Access, Voting Access, and Vaccine Access programs.
Supporting Our Latinx Riders & Communities
22% of our riders identify as Hispanic of Latinx. In addition to supporting the Latinx community with access to transportation every day, we have a series of initiatives directly aimed at supporting transportation access for moments of need, including:
Vaccine Access: In 2021, we partnered with LULAC, NHCOA, US Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and Unidos to provide access to free/discounted rides to help Latinx community members more easily access COVID-19 vaccination appointments.
“LULAC is a proud partner of the LyftUp Vaccine Access campaign, which has helped get hundreds of people in our communities to life-saving COVID-19 vaccine appointments. In conjunction with LULAC’s Vacúnate Hoy (Vaccinate Today) program, this campaign has brought awareness and education about the benefits of the vaccine. Unfortunately, there are systemic barriers to getting a vaccine for many Latinos, including the lack of reliable transportation. LULAC and Lyft recognized this need early on, and we were able to work together to get people in our communities to these life-saving vaccine appointments. Lyft has been an excellent community partner in the fight against COVID-19.”
-Sindy Benavides, LULAC CEO
Voting Access: In 2020, we mobilized access to the polls by partnering with Voto Latino Foundation and League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC).
Jobs Access: In 2020, over 30% of clients supported through Goodwill and our Jobs Access program identified as Latinx. They received access to rides to job trainings, interviews, and the first few weeks of work.
In addition, Lyft has featured RAICES - an organization providing free and low-cost legal services to underserved immigrant children, families, and refugees - as one of the organizations riders can round up their fare and donate to in app. Riders have raised over $24M to date.
Supporting Our Latinx Drivers
According to our 2021 Economic Impact Report, 29% of all Lyft drivers identify as Hispanic or Latinx. Our Latinx drivers have vast backgrounds and experience. The flexibility to drive whenever they choose has made dreams a reality for them. Take Ameena, for example:
“Lyft has helped make the impossible possible. Lyft has allowed me the opportunity to reopen my business and I am very grateful. True Success is believing in yourself! Si, si puedes”
- Ameena, Milwaukee Driver
This Latinx Heritage Month, please join us in celebrating resilience in your community by donating to local Latinx organizations.