One of the goals of The Building Block of Natrona is to better define the needs of this community. One way we're going about this is looking closely at U.S. Census data that's specific to Natrona - not Natrona Heights, not Harrison Township and not the entire Highlands School District.
This process will take some time as we do not have the resources to hire a data analyst to find and download the appropriate Census files, identify Natrona's data and then compile the information. However, it will be a worthwhile exercise.
As we know, Natrona is a wonderful community with many residents who care deeply about the neighborhood. Several factors have caused hardship over the years. And, we now see some of that reflected in the Census data.
Here's a glimpse at what we're discovering:

• Median household income: Census data for Natrona is split into two "block groups." Combined, they offer data specific to Natrona. In one block group, the median income for 2016 is $31,250/year and in the other, $18,510/year. For comparison, the median income in Harrison Township is $51,567 and, in Allegheny County, $54,357.
• Abandoned buildings: There are 837 households in Natrona. There are 214 vacant structures. This means about 1 in 4 buildings in Natrona is vacant.
• Poverty: 39% of individuals in Natrona earn income below poverty level. There are 1,328 individuals in Natrona earning income and 514 are below poverty level.
• There are 88 adults in Natrona without any health care coverage. 
• Food stamps: About 25% of households in Natrona use food stamps - 232 of the 837 households.

As we learn more, we'll share this information. It's important that we tell Natrona's story accurately - both the needs and its wonderful attributes.

​The Building Block of Natrona has registered with GuideStar, which is a widely recognized resource about nonprofits in the United States. There are 2.7 million nonprofits listed on GuideStar and 26 million annual searches. Now, our organization is among those listed on GuideStar, receiving the 2018 Bronze Seal of Transparency. This listing makes it easier for anyone - residents, donors, volunteers and others - to find detailed information about our organization, how to contact us, and to ensure that we truly are a 5013c nonprofit.

As we are committed to transparency, we will continue to improve our GuideStar rating by adding additional information to our profile, including finances. View our GuideStar profile.

The Building Block of Natrona held its first Veggies For All food outreach on Saturday, October 20th. More than 100 households received food as a result of this successful event.
We received about 255 pounds of produce and 210 pounds of KIND bars from 412 Food Rescue, which we picked up at its East Liberty warehouse on Friday afternoon.
Our Block Builder volunteers showed up in force on Saturday, including a group from the Boy Scouts Troop 180 from Tarentum to help unload and pack the food, greet and register our guests, and clean up afterward. Members of Natrona Comes Together Association also showed and helped rally residents and help with the event.
The outreach was held at the Knights of Columbus Council 2602 hall on Garfield Street. The Knights have been very generous by allowing us to use their space and we are very grateful. 
Individuals from 42 households visited our outreach on Saturday and that food benefited more than 105 people living in those households. 
Afterward, we also distributed 22 bags of food to local Natrona residents, including 12 shut-ins. 
Another 12 bags were distributed at the nearby Polish National Alliance building and 24 were taken to senior high rises in Tarentum.
We also contributed a significant number of KIND bars to the Tarentum Friendship Garden's Free Little Pantry.
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