If you've ever waited in line for Kathiew House, then you already know Poohie Pen.

The beloved Cambodian single mother has built more than one of Oakland's favorite weekend pop-ups—she has built a community. People don't just come for her incredible Cambodian food, they come for the warmth, generosity, resilience, and heart she pours into every meal. Through every dish she serves, Poohie has shared her culture, brought people together, and become a cherished part of Oakland's vibrant small business community.

Now, she needs that same community to stand beside her.

On Monday morning, while Poohie was working her full-time job as a patient coordinator at a local hospital, someone broke into her family's Section 8 home. The intruder stole cash, jewelry, and treasured personal belongings before entering the bedroom of her 16-year-old son, who awoke to a terrifying assault.

Thanks to the heroic actions of a neighbor who rushed into the home after hearing his screams, the suspect fled. The neighbor, Poohie's son, and another family member chased the suspect from the property, likely preventing an even greater tragedy.

Today, Poohie's son is deeply traumatized and no longer feels safe returning home. He is staying with his grandmother while he begins the long journey of healing from this unimaginable experience.

As a result, Poohie has also been forced to temporarily close Kathiew House.

After losing her father to cancer in 2024, Poohie found the strength to pursue a lifelong dream by launching Kathiew House as a weekend pop-up in October 2025. It was more than a small business—it became a vital source of income that helped support her family when her hospital salary alone wasn't enough. More importantly, it represented the dream she shared with her father: one day opening a permanent Cambodian restaurant that would honor her family's legacy.

Today, that dream has been placed on hold.

Hello, my name is Arlene Lum, and I represent both the Oakland Chinatown Chamber of Commerce (OCCC) and the Oakland Chinatown Chamber Foundation (OCCF).

Poohie has spent years feeding, comforting, and caring for her community. Please consider making a donation today and sharing this fundraiser with your family, friends, and networks. Together, we can help Poohie, her son, and their family begin the difficult journey toward healing, recovery, and hope.

100% of funds raised will go directly to Kathiew House and Poohie Pen to help with:

*Cover immediate living expenses while Kathiew House is temporarily closed.

*Replace essential belongings lost during the burglary.

*Help restore security and safety to their home.

*Provide resources to support her son's recovery and emotional healing.

The Oakland Chinatown Chamber Foundation will present a check representing 100% of the net proceeds from this GoFundMe campaign to Poohie Pen and son. Give Poohie the financial stability to focus on her family during this difficult time. Help ensure Kathiew House can reopen and continue serving the Oakland community.

Every contribution, no matter the amount, will make a meaningful difference:

“Watching Kathiew House grow into one of Oakland's beloved pop-ups has been inspiring. Poohie has shared her culture and her heart with our community, and in return, she has earned the love and respect of so many. It is devastating that this senseless act of violence has impacted her family, especially her child. Our community has always been strongest when we come together, and now is the time to surround Poohie and her family with the support, compassion, and hope they deserve."

Stephanie Tran, President, Oakland Chinatown Chamber of Commerce

"When one member of our community suffers, we all feel the impact. For decades, we have worked tirelessly to make Oakland a safer place for families, residents, workers, and small businesses. While we have made meaningful progress, tragedies like this remind us that our work is far from over. We stand with Poohie and her family, ensuring they have the support they need to heal, recover, and know they are not facing this alone. By coming together as a community, we send a powerful message that violence will not define us, and that we will always stand behind those affected by crime."

Carl Chan, President, Oakland Chinatown Chamber Foundation

LINKS:

Kathiew House Message: https://www.instagram.com/p/DbD8TZgATtO/

Dion Lim Interview: https://www.instagram.com/reels/DbGpNiwSFu2/

About the Oakland Chinatown Chamber of Commerce (OCCC)

The Oakland Chinatown Chamber of Commerce is a non-profit formed in 1985 by a group of local businesspeople to promote and advocate for business and trade in the Asian community. Today, the Chamber represents over 300 members in a wide range of business industries in Oakland Chinatown and the East Bay.

The Oakland Chinatown Chamber Foundation is OCCC's fiscal sponsor and a 501c3 (FEIN is 37-1433643). Your donation is tax deductible to the extent of the law. You can also donate to the OCC Foundation through your workplace giving campaigns, such as Benevity, PayPal Giving, Schwab and Creative Healthy Community.