Help Soma and Isaac Rebuild After Tragic Eaton Fire

I’m reaching out to ask for your support for Soma Helmi and Isaac Lubow, who tragically lost their home and all of their belongings in the Eaton Fire that swept through Altadena, CA on January 8. They have no insurance coverage to help them recover from this loss and need our assistance now more than ever.

I’ve known Soma for 6 years, and I’ve seen firsthand how her kindness, hard work, and dedication have touched everyone around her. Soma is not only an incredibly talented director—she’s the heart and soul of every project she touches. Known for her creativity, kindness, and deep respect for her crew and actors, she has also built a reputation as a mentor and friend. Her films have inspired countless people with her passion to tell character-driven stories and furthering representation on the screen, especially that of the Asian experience. Her leadership has created close-knit, dedicated teams that would follow her anywhere. Devastatingly, some of what she has lost are the tools she uses to bring her art to life. This tragedy has upended her world, and while her resilience is unmatched, the road to recovery will be long and difficult.

Isaac is a talented builder, designer, and jack-of-all-trades. He designed and built most of the furniture in the house. He worked primarily in web development, from a makeshift office and wood shop in the little garage. His son (Soma's stepson), Noah, is now a junior in high school.

The fire took not only their home but also their sense of security and stability. They are now facing the overwhelming challenge of rebuilding their lives from scratch—finding a new place to live, replacing essential belongings, and covering immediate living expenses.

We are raising funds to help Soma and Isaac navigate this incredibly difficult time. The funds will be used to cover:

Temporary housing - hotel, rent, or short-term accommodation ($15,000)

Basic living essentials - clothing, toiletries, groceries. Soma fled the fire with a few articles of clothing and nothing else. ($1,500)

Replacement of household items - furniture, kitchenware, bedding, etc. ($5,000)

Transportation needs - one of their cars was completely destroyed in the blaze and will need to be replaced OR other means of transportation used. ($7,500)

Filmmaking supplies - to help Soma replace the tools she needs to continue working in her craft, including as a professional photographer. ($7,500)

Miscellaneous costs related to starting over, including deposits for a new rental, utilities, and other unforeseen expenses. ($3,500)

ADDED

Woodworking supplies - to help replace the equipment Isaac used to design and build furniture, including his beautiful teardrop trailers. ($5000)

This support will give them the breathing room they desperately need while they figure out their next steps and begin the long journey of rebuilding their lives. Every donation, no matter how big or small, will make a significant impact.

Thank you for your kindness, compassion, and support.

(This Go Fund Me is being set up by Sarah J. Eagen, a close friend and frequent collaborator of Soma's. I am also based in Los Angeles, but have been lucky enough to not have the fires reach my home.)