LA Fires: Help Erica Fishman and Altadena Neighbors

UPDATE: Hello everyone – we promised updates and here they are!

In addition to our Sundance Film producer Erica Fishman, we are adding her sweet neighbor Helen Lidell (one of the older Black families in Altadena). Helen and her epileptic grandson also lost their home; as well as hilarious comedian Mateen Stewart. His family was displaced by the Eaton fires. We are also tracking needs in a few senior centers that burned down and may use further funds to purchase items as their needs arise. Our Sundance film Didn’t Die prioritizes community – so this GoFundMe is built with that spirit in mind. “Spread the love” Erica said. We know you will.

Here are the current profiles of beneficiaries who have already received funds thanks to your generosity:

Erica Fishman: A tireless independent film producer who has unequivocally championed stories for women and people of color – Erica Fishman is a beloved producer, wife, mom, and friend. Having produced Didn’t Die, a Sundance Official Selection, as well as produced for Paul Feig’s PowderKeg incubating stories that Hollywood may have missed – no one works harder to bring a vision to life with a bigger smile, and better attitude than Erica “Fish” Fishman. Her entire family was involved in the making of Didn’t Die; from her husband editing, to her producing, to her child who even made a cameo. Please consider helping; to lose a home two weeks before what should be the celebration of a Sundance Film is a tragic shock.

Helen Lidell: A grandmother in her 60s, who lives with her epileptic grandson Corey Campbell, Helen Lidell is Erica Fishman’s neighbor who lost their generational home and a car in the fire. A lovely lady with an enormous spirit, Helen and Corey unfortunately did not leave until the fire was very close to the house; as a result Corey had an epileptic episode and is now just out of the hospital. Stop gap funding now will give Helen the much needed time and resources to make sure that she is able to navigate the challenging and often confusing road of dealing with insurance.

Mateen Stewart: A hilarious comedian who co-hosts the “Scumbags of History” podcast, his edutainment show “Comic Race Theory” has been performed across the country. Mateen, his partner, a 3 year old daughter, and 2 dogs were displaced during the Eaton Fire. Their home miraculously survived, but remains in an evacuation zone with no real time table for their return. There is no water, power, or gas in their neighborhood. Funds go to temporary lodging, groceries, and child care expenses that FEMA does not traditionally cover to provide a stopgap between the mandatory evacuation, and when the area is cleared for residents like Mateen to return to the community.

We know a lot of folks are hurting right now, and thank you so much for your incredible generosity and contributions.

This fundraiser is being organized by Kiran Deol and Iram Parveen Bilal. We personally know the affected and are heartbroken to witness this sudden loss.