Building Steps Forward

Finding Community Data

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 455 vacant buildings. That's more than 50 percent.
• 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.

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Financial Accountability

​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.