CDOT, G.E.T. Solutions Mark National 811 Day with New Community Garden Partnership in Humboldt Park

CHICAGO - The Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) and G.E.T. Solutions today marked National 811 Day by celebrating the launch of the fourth 811 Chicago Damage Prevention Garden, an initiative that raises awareness about the importance of calling 811 before digging while supporting community green spaces across Chicago.

The newest partnership is with FarmWorks, located at 407 N. Albany Avenue.

"811 Chicago plays an essential role in protecting Chicagoans and the underground infrastructure our city relies on every day," said CDOT Commissioner William Cheaks Jr. "This partnership helps bring that important safety message directly into communities while supporting neighborhood green spaces and creating hands-on training opportunities for Greencorps participants."

Observed annually on August 11, National 811 Day reminds residents, contractors, and property owners to contact 811 before beginning any digging project. Calling before digging helps prevent damage to underground gas, electric, water, telecommunications, and other utility infrastructure while protecting workers and the public.

Since 2023, 811 Chicago has partnered with G.E.T. Solutions to advance the 811 Chicago Community Partnerships Initiative with three main goals: to raise awareness of 811 Chicago's message to call before you dig, to support local green and public spaces, and to provide technical training for individuals who have faced barriers to employment.

Through the initiative, G.E.T. Solutions and 811 Chicago identify community gardens across Chicago and provide financial resources, technical assistance, and hands-on project support. Previous garden partnerships include:

• 46th Street Block Club and Community Garden, 433 E. 46th Street
• SkyART's Artists' Garden, 8907 S. Brandon Avenue
• Edna White Community Garden, 1812 W. Monterey Avenue

G.E.T. Solutions leverages the hands-on support of Greencorps Chicago, CDOT's paid green industry job training program for individuals with barriers to employment. Greencorps participants gain hands-on experience and develop skills in landscape maintenance, green infrastructure, tree care, and construction by advancing projects with local community garden groups, schools, parks, and on empty/vacant lots.

"We are excited about this new partnership and everything it represents. When people come together with a shared vision, opportunities become impact. Here's to building, growing, and creating something meaningful-together," said Dantrell Dehart, Chicago FarmWorks Manager.

About 811 Chicago

Operated by CDOT's Division of Infrastructure Management, 811 Chicago is a free, 24-hour service that helps homeowners and contractors identify underground utility infrastructure, including gas, electric, and water lines.

To ensure the safety of people who live and work near underground infrastructure, anyone planning to dig in Chicago must obtain a "dig ticket" from 811 Chicago at least 48 hours prior to digging.

About G.E.T. Solutions

Greencorps Chicago NFP dba G.E.T. Solutions is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization whose mission is to promote access to sustainable, environmental, and economic solutions for individuals and communities that have been historically impacted by systemic barriers and inequities. G.E.T. Solutions advances green and climate resilient programs and initiatives for individuals, communities, and small businesses through collaboration, education, and training. G.E.T. Solutions serves as the Managing Partner of Greencorps Chicago, the City of Chicago's green industry job training program.

About FarmWorks

Heartland Human Care Services (HHCS) partners with individuals facing poverty, displacement, and injustice to achieve safety, stability, and long-term success. HHCS continues its mission to combat food insecurity and advance economic justice through Chicago FarmWorks, a 2.5-acre urban farm operating in East Garfield Park.

As part of HHCS's broader service spectrum, which includes homelessness prevention, supportive housing, job training, and refugee services, Chicago FarmWorks addresses key social determinants of health by expanding local access to fresh, organic produce. Each year, the Farm reaches over 5,000 individuals through community gardening plots and events, corporate partnerships, and hands-on volunteer opportunities. To directly combat nutritional insecurity, Chicago FarmWorks distributes 30,000 servings of organic produce annually to 3,000 West Side residents via trusted local partners, including Breakthrough Urban Ministries' Fresh Market, Mission of Our Lady of the Angels, Garfield Park Community Council, Inspiration Café, and Rush University Medical Center's Food is Medicine pantry.