International Men’s Day: Honoring Men Who Build Communities Through Service
November 19th marks International Men’s Day, a global observance that celebrates the positive contributions men make to society, families, and communities. While this day often goes unnoticed in mainstream conversation, it serves a critical purpose: recognizing the men who show up every day—not for recognition, but because it’s what needs to be done.
This International Men’s Day, we’re reflecting on a specific group of men whose contributions are both essential and often invisible: the drivers, caregivers, and community builders who ensure children get to school safely every morning. These are men who wake up before dawn, navigate unpredictable schedules, and take on the responsibility of transporting other people’s children—because someone has to, and they’re willing to do it.
But this International Men’s Day also demands we acknowledge a harder truth: men in America are facing unprecedented challenges. Unemployment, homelessness, mental health crises, and economic instability have created a landscape where many men are struggling just to survive—let alone thrive. And in the midst of this crisis, opportunities for meaningful, dignified work have become harder to find.
This is where Yuni Rides enters the conversation. We’re not just offering jobs. We’re providing men with a path back to purpose, financial stability, community connection, and self-worth. And on International Men’s Day, we want to spotlight why that matters—and why the men who drive for us are doing work that genuinely changes lives.
The Men We Celebrate on International Men’s Day
International Men’s Day exists to honor men who contribute positively to their communities—not through grand gestures, but through consistent, reliable service. The men we work with at Yuni Rides embody that spirit in ways that don’t make headlines but make all the difference.
They’re veterans who’ve transitioned from military service and are looking for work that still feels like a mission. They understand responsibility, protocol, and what it means to be accountable for someone else’s safety.
They’re fathers and grandfathers who value flexible schedules that allow them to be present for their own families while supporting others. They know what it means to get a child to school on time because they’ve done it for their own kids.
They’re men rebuilding their lives after job loss, health challenges, or personal setbacks. They’re looking for work that respects their time, pays fairly, and doesn’t treat them as disposable.
They’re men who care about their communities and want to contribute in tangible ways. Driving a child to school might not sound heroic, but for the families who depend on that consistency, it absolutely is.
These men don’t do this work for applause. They do it because it needs doing. They show up when it’s cold, when traffic is bad, when they’re tired. They learn the names of the kids they drive. They remember which child needs extra time to buckle in, which one gets anxious if you turn too quickly, which parent is juggling a million things and just needs to know their kid is safe.
That’s the kind of man we celebrate on International Men’s Day—not the loudest voice in the room, but the steady presence you can count on.
The Economic Reality Men Are Facing in 2024
While International Men’s Day is about celebration, it also demands honesty about the challenges men face. And right now, those challenges are significant.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, approximately 3.51 million men were unemployed in October 2024, with unemployment rates for men hovering around 3.9-4.2%. While these numbers might sound manageable on paper, they represent millions of individuals struggling to find stable work in an economy marked by high inflation, rising costs of living, and wage stagnation.
The inflation crisis hits men hard.
Even when men are employed, many are working jobs that don’t pay enough to cover basic expenses. Rent has skyrocketed. Groceries cost more. Gas prices fluctuate unpredictably. A paycheck that used to stretch now barely covers necessities. According to economic data, rental prices remain stubbornly high despite overall inflation cooling, making housing one of the most significant financial burdens for working-class men.
Young men are hit hardest.
Unemployment rates for young men (ages 20-24) increased significantly in 2024, rising from 7.1% to 8.8% according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. These are men at the beginning of their careers, trying to build a foundation, and finding the job market unwelcoming. Without early career stability, long-term financial security becomes nearly impossible.
Middle-aged men face career displacement.
Men in their 40s and 50s who lose jobs often struggle to re-enter the workforce at comparable pay levels. Ageism, skills gaps, and industry shifts leave many men either unemployed or underemployed—taking jobs far below their experience level just to pay bills.
Economic insecurity fuels mental health crises.
Financial stress is directly linked to mental health challenges. Men who can’t provide for themselves or their families often internalize that failure as personal inadequacy. The shame, isolation, and hopelessness that follow can be devastating.
This International Men’s Day, we can’t celebrate men without acknowledging the systems that are failing them—and the desperate need for solutions that offer both income and dignity.
The Homelessness Crisis Among Men in America
One of the most visible and tragic consequences of economic instability is homelessness. And in America, homelessness disproportionately affects men.
According to the American Institute for Boys and Men, men make up 60% of the homeless population in the United States. In 2024, approximately 460,000 men experienced homelessness on a given night—an increase from 339,000 in 2015. That’s a 36% rise in less than a decade.
Men are more likely to be unsheltered.
While 39% of homeless men were unsheltered in 2024 (living on the streets, in cars, or in places not meant for human habitation), only 28% of homeless women were unsheltered. Men are less likely to access emergency shelters, often because shelters prioritize families and women, leaving single men with fewer options.
Homelessness among men varies dramatically by state.
California has seen some of the most dramatic increases, with the number of homeless men rising by approximately 43,000 over the past ten years. Other states with high rates of male homelessness include Washington, Oregon, and New York. These states also have some of the highest costs of living, illustrating the direct link between housing affordability and homelessness.
Chronically homeless men face compounding challenges.
Men who experience long-term homelessness often deal with untreated mental illness, substance use disorders, and physical health problems. Without stable housing, addressing these issues becomes nearly impossible. Employment is out of reach when you don’t have a place to shower, store belongings, or get a full night’s sleep.
This International Men’s Day, we need to confront the reality that hundreds of thousands of men in America are one paycheck, one medical emergency, or one eviction away from losing everything. Providing pathways back to stable employment isn’t charity—it’s a societal necessity.
The Mental Health Crisis: Depression and Suicide Among Men
The economic and social challenges men face don’t just affect bank accounts—they destroy mental health. And the statistics are horrifying.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the suicide rate among men in 2023 was approximately four times higher than the rate among women. Men make up 50% of the population but account for nearly 80% of all suicide deaths.
The numbers are getting worse.
In 2023, the age-adjusted suicide rate in the United States reached 14.7 per 100,000 people—the highest rate since 1941. More than 49,000 Americans died by suicide in 2023, and the vast majority were men.
Firearms are the leading method.
Over 60% of firearm deaths in the United States are suicides, and men are far more likely to use firearms in suicide attempts. The lethality of this method means that men’s suicide attempts are more often fatal.
Middle-aged and older men are at highest risk.
Men aged 45-64 and those 75 and older have some of the highest suicide rates. These are men who may have lost careers, experienced health declines, faced divorce or relationship breakdowns, or feel isolated and without purpose.
Economic stress is a major driver.
Research consistently links unemployment, financial instability, and housing insecurity to increased suicide risk. When men can’t provide for themselves or their families, the psychological toll is immense. The shame, hopelessness, and sense of failure can become unbearable.
This International Men’s Day, we have to talk about why men are dying. Not in abstract terms, but in concrete ones: Men need jobs. They need stability. They need to feel like they matter. They need communities that see them as valuable, not expendable.
How Yuni Rides Provides a Path Forward
This International Men’s Day, Yuni Rides stands at the intersection of a critical need and a meaningful solution. We’re not solving every problem men face. But we are providing something essential: gainful employment that offers financial stability, community connection, and a sense of purpose.
Here’s how we do it:
We offer flexible, part-time work that fits real lives.
Many of the men who drive for Yuni Rides are managing VA appointments, caring for aging parents, dealing with health issues, or balancing other responsibilities. Our routes are structured in morning (6:30-9:00 AM) and afternoon (2:00-4:30 PM) blocks. You can work one block or both. You can build a schedule that works for your life, not the other way around.
We pay weekly, not bi-weekly.
Cash flow matters. When you’re living paycheck to paycheck, waiting two weeks between deposits can be the difference between making rent and falling behind. We pay drivers weekly. You work this week, you get paid next week. That consistency matters.
We provide work that has meaning.
Driving kids to school isn’t just a gig. You’re becoming part of families’ routines. Parents learn to trust you. Kids recognize your car. You’re contributing to your community in a way that’s visible and valued. For men who’ve felt invisible or disposable, that shift matters profoundly.
We build community, not isolation.
Gig economy work is often isolating. You’re alone in your car, interacting with strangers, competing with other drivers. At Yuni Rides, you’re part of a team. Dispatch knows your name. Other drivers become familiar. Parents text you directly. You’re not a number—you’re a person.
We create pathways for referrals and growth.
If you know other men who need work, we have a referral program. Bring someone in, and you both benefit financially. This isn’t just about individual employment—it’s about men helping other men find stability.
We respect the men who work for us.
No one is disposable. No one is micromanaged by an algorithm. You’re treated like a professional. You’re given training, clear protocols, and real support when you need it. We understand that the men who drive for us are often rebuilding, and we’re committed to being part of that process.
Real Impact: How Employment Restores More Than Just Income
The men who drive for Yuni Rides consistently report that this work has changed more than just their bank accounts. Here’s what they tell us:
“I have a reason to get up in the morning again.”
After months of unemployment, the structure of morning routes gives men a reason to set an alarm, get dressed, and show up. That sense of routine combats the aimlessness and depression that often accompany joblessness.
“I feel like I’m contributing again.”
Men who’ve lost jobs often internalize failure. Driving for Yuni Rides lets them contribute to their families and communities in tangible ways. Parents thank them. Kids wave. That recognition restores a sense of value.
“The pay isn’t huge, but it’s steady.”
Many of our drivers make $400-$600 per week working both blocks. That’s not wealth, but it’s predictable income. It covers rent. It pays for groceries. It creates breathing room. For men who’ve been living in financial chaos, that predictability is life-changing.
“I’m part of something again.”
Isolation kills. Men who’ve been unemployed or homeless often lose social connections. Driving reconnects them to their communities. They see familiar faces. They’re part of daily routines. They matter to someone again.
“I can help other guys find work too.”
Our referral program creates opportunities for men to support each other. If you know a veteran struggling to find work, you can bring him in. If you know a guy who just got out of rehab and needs a fresh start, you can offer a path. That sense of being able to help others is powerful.
Why This Matters Beyond International Men’s Day
International Men’s Day happens once a year. But the work of supporting men, providing opportunities, and building communities happens every single day. Yuni Rides isn’t a charity. We’re a business. But we’re a business that understands that when you invest in people—when you give men a chance to rebuild, contribute, and be valued—everyone benefits.
The families whose kids we drive benefit from reliable, trustworthy transportation. The schools we work with benefit from reduced logistical chaos. The communities we serve benefit from men who are employed, stable, and engaged. And the men who drive for us benefit from income, purpose, and connection.
This International Men’s Day, we’re asking: What if more businesses operated this way? What if employment wasn’t just about extracting labor, but about building people up? What if we treated men—especially men who are struggling—as assets worth investing in rather than problems to be managed?
Frequently Asked Questions About Driving for Yuni Rides
Do I need experience driving professionally?
No. We provide training on everything you need: car seat securement, route management, communication protocols, and safety procedures. If you have a clean driving record and a reliable vehicle, you can learn the rest.
What if I’m a veteran dealing with PTSD or other service-related challenges?
Many of our drivers are veterans. If you’re managing PTSD or other challenges and you’re cleared to work, that’s between you and your healthcare providers. We don’t require disclosure beyond what’s legally necessary. If you need accommodations, we’ll work with you where possible.
What if I’ve been unemployed for a long time?
That’s okay. We’re more interested in whether you’re reliable, patient, and willing to show up consistently than we are in a perfect resume. Gaps in employment don’t disqualify you.
Can I work if I’m receiving disability or other benefits?
That’s between you and the relevant agencies. Most people receiving disability or VA benefits can work part-time without affecting their benefits, but you should verify that with your benefits coordinator.
How quickly can I start?
The process from application to your first route typically takes 2-3 weeks. That includes background check, training, and route assignment.
This International Men’s Day: A Call to Action
International Men’s Day isn’t just about acknowledgment. It’s about action.
If you’re a man reading this and you’re struggling—if you’re unemployed, underemployed, or just looking for work that feels meaningful—we want to talk to you.
If you know a man who needs a break, who needs stable work, who needs to feel valued again—send him our way.
If you’re a family or school district looking for reliable student transportation and you want to support drivers who are treated with dignity—work with us.
This International Men’s Day, let’s build something better. Not through grand gestures, but through consistent, daily choices to show up, contribute, and support each other.
Ready to drive? Apply here.
If you’re a man looking for flexible, meaningful work with weekly pay and real community impact, apply to drive with Yuni Rides.
→ Apply Now
Want to learn more about what driving involves?
Read our complete guide to becoming a school transportation driver—what to expect, how much you’ll make, and what the day-to-day looks like.
→ Read the Driver Guide
Veterans: Learn about opportunities specifically for you.
If you’re a veteran, find out why student transportation is a natural fit for your skills and experience.
→ Veteran Opportunities
Questions? Let’s talk.
Call us at (415) 535-2155 and we’ll walk you through the process, answer your questions, and help you figure out if this is the right fit.
→ Contact Us
This International Men’s Day, we honor the men who show up—not for recognition, but because it’s what needs to be done.
We’re building communities. One route at a time. One man at a time.