Paula’s Story: Born in 1937 in a mining town in Wallace, Idaho, Paula spent her childhood exploring the wild terrain that surrounded her, eventually becoming a skilled outdoorsperson. Still, she felt Destiny calling her elsewhere. After attending college on the East and West coasts, Paula settled in New York City’s Greenwich Village and immediately knew that she was home. She wasted no time getting involved, either: In the 50 years that have followed, Paula has worked tirelessly in the community as an advocate and leader, freely offering her talents, time and attention for the many causes and citizens who have needed a hand over the years. She was critical in establishing a community board and making it part of state by-laws in 1974. She served as a counselor and administrator for the TrailBlazers Youth Organization for 20 years, helping city kids lacking resources discover and embrace the wonders of the outdoors. On her own block, Paula became known by her vast network of friends and neighbors as “The Mayor of Jane Street”, overseeing the planting of trees and the construction of the Jane Street Garden, as well as co-organizing the annual Block Association stoop sales, a big hit with the surrounding community. Her gruff, no-nonsense exterior is swiftly belied by her warmth, wit, charm and generosity. To this day, people of all ages and walks of life seek her counsel, be it for a city issue, an accounting question, or some plain-spoken tough love. She can’t be in her local haunts (La Bonbonniere and Tavern on Jane) for five minutes without someone dropping by for a hug, a hello, a “quick question”. She’s a West Village institution in the way all the best institutions are: rich in history, rooted in the present, with an eye to the future. Paula Feddersen is a dear friend and invaluable member of our community, and like so many, she has found herself in desperate straits during this time. After surviving COVID this past spring at the age of 83, Paula was informed by her financial managers that, despite her diligence and fiscal responsibility throughout her life, she was about to run out of the last of her retirement savings. With no family nearby and eviction from her home of 50 years hanging in the balance, it is up to the very community who has benefited from Paula’s care to help her stay afloat. Please help us make sure our beloved friend can remain in her home, near all who love her.