Updated

Brian Schwartz's free lawn mowing after a 2020 layoff has grown into a network of 2,100 approved volunteers across all 50 states. Schwartz began by offering to mow the yards of elderly neighbors during the COVID-19 pandemic, a socially distanced way to help while he was also caring for a sick parent. The group, called I Want to Mow Your Lawn, lets volunteers offer one-time yard services without special training or equipment, and volunteers have made more than 3,100 free visits. Requests arrive through an online form or a phone line, and more than 100 case managers and social workers have referred people to the group. Requests nearly doubled over the past year, with 7,049 received from January 1 through November 10 and 679 new volunteers signing up. About half of those asking for help are 65 or older, and roughly one in seven are veterans. Schwartz said overgrown yards can be trip hazards for older residents, and two AARP Community Challenge grants are helping make homes and streets safer. For Veterans Day, Schwartz worked with lawn care creators Nathan's Lawns and Gardens and Kyle Breiner to transform the yard of Air Force veteran Marcy, who became homeless with her children after leaving a domestic violence situation. Rodney Smith Jr., known as The Lawnmower Man, is a resource partner focused on engaging younger generations.