When we work together, we all win!

Building community on the west side of Chicago.

Blocks Together is a non-profit, grassroots, direct-action community organization made up of residents in the northern sections of West Humboldt Park and Garfield Park communities on the west side of Chicago.

Recent Accomplishments

  • Participatory research

    Conducted a community wide survey for development priorities that surveyed over 350 community members.

  • Trauma Response

    Established Trauma Responsive Service at Cameron Elementary School

  • Village Keepers

    100 community members trained as a Critical Response Team to support families who are dealing with the impact of gun violence.

  • Legal Support

    In Partnership with Beyond Legal Clinic, BT provided free legal support and representation to 50 families. Participatory Defense Committee provide legal support for residents applying for executive clemency/pardons.

  • Fence Building

    As part of our initiative to develop the abandoned lot next door to our office, a fence was built to protect the safety and cleanliness of the lot. The gates remain open more than 12 hours a day, welcoming the community to participate and contribute to its ongoing development,

  • BT Hip Hop Academy

    Summer 2024 was lead by 25 young people ages 14-18 in our inaugural Blocks Together Hip Hop Academy. Youth participants were trained in cultural media creation ranging from music and video production, to graphic design, poetry, project management, and more.

  • Youth Music Studio

    Partnered with Darnell Smith of Do or Die to open a Music Studio supporting young artists.

  • Capital Improvement

    Won over $10 millions dollars in capital improvements for two schools in the community.

  • Covid-19 Support

    Provided 500 families with Food, PPE, Clothes, and Immune boosting tea. (MOJO JUICE)

Our Work

Our Vision

BT’s vision for social justice directs the organization’s development and implementation of issue campaigns in the areas of education, housing, and the rights of the underserved people; women, youth and the formerly incarcerated.

Our Mission

Blocks Together’s mission is to build a grassroots community infrastructure, governed from the bottom up, which provides the resources, leadership development and sustained focused efforts to achieve widespread improvements for the community and advance economic and social justice.

Trauma Informed Care

Blocks Together is responding to the healing needs of the west Humboldt Park, and northern section of East/West Garfield Park communities by focusing on Community Health/Wellness, Violence Prevention, Community Controlled Development, and Youth Programming, for the long term well-being of our families and communities.

News and Events

Info on upcoming work:
Expungement/Sealing Training
Expungement/Sealing Training

Join us March 23, 2025 11am-1pm for an Expungement/Sealing training. Receive expert advice on how to proceed with criminal record expungements/sealings.

Read More →
New Fence!
New Fence!

A fence was built by our staff and volunteers to protect the safety and cleanliness of the lot. The gates remain open more than 12 hours a day, welcoming the community to participate and contribute to its ongoing development.

Read More →
Cook County Land Bank Meeting
Cook County Land Bank Meeting

Come check out the resources the Cook County Land Bank has to offer, and consider participating in Blocks Together’s Community Controlled Development initiative.

Read More →

Connect with BT:

Contact

Feel free to contact us with any questions.

Address
3711 W Chicago Ave

Chicago, IL 60651

Email
caro@blockstogether.com

Phone
(773) 940-2319