Community Spotlight: Brian Folb of Hollywood Offices

Brian Folb – A Business Leader with a Five-Decade Dedication to Hollywood and a Heart for its Unhoused

For half a century, Brian Folb has been an undeniable force in the evolution of our Hollywood community. Immersed in the family business of leasing office and retail spaces along the iconic Sunset Boulevard at Hollywood Offices, Brian’s connection to Hollywood runs deep. In addition to being a local business leader, he’s also a dedicated community member whose tireless advocacy for a healthier Hollywood for everyone makes him a great subject for this month’s Hollywood 4WRD Community Spotlight.

Brian shares with genuine enthusiasm an enduring commitment to our community that extends far beyond his professional endeavors.“I’m committed to working with all people in the community to bring us together in unity, including businesses, residents and our political representatives.”

Brian actively participates in shaping the future of Hollywood, bringing his expertise and passion to the boards of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, The Hollywood Partnership, Hollywood PAL, the Hollywood Police Support Association, and the ambitious Hollywood Central Park project. 

Brian’s presence on these many boards underscores his profound investment in the area’s economic vitality, safety, and overall well-being. As well as his awareness that homelessness has become an increasingly challenging issue for our community. At a recent meeting of THP’s Stakeholder Engagement Committee which Brian chairs, his compassion for everyone in our community was clear.

“It breaks my heart to see people living on our streets,” he shares. “Everyone deserves a roof over their head.” 

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His concern, however, extends to the residents, business owners and tourists who he has witnessed “having to compete for space on our streets and sidewalks with our unhoused neighbors. This isn’t fair to our unhoused or the people who live and work here in Hollywood.” 

Brian’s perspective represents the complicated feelings of many business leaders in Hollywood – a profound human concern intertwined with a practical understanding of the challenges homelessness poses to the collective environment.

When asked about his biggest frustration, Brian doesn’t hesitate:

“Not getting swift enough action from the politicians on getting people housed or providing them with the comprehensive support many of them need."

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Brian’s frustration highlights a systemic issue that many community advocates grapple with – the often-slow pace of policy change and the complexities of navigating bureaucratic processes.

In the face of these challenges, Brian  acknowledges the vital work being done on the ground by organizations dedicated to supporting the unhoused. But he also yearns for more decisive and impactful systemic change. “As much as I appreciate the good work being done by so many to provide aid and assistance to the unhoused, I wish I saw more effective actions being taken to get these people housed.” 

How can Hollywood 4WRD and others in our community working hard to end and prevent homelessness in Hollywood do better?

Given his background and understanding of the complexities of the issue, it’s not surprising that Brian answers this question by emphasizing the critical role of advocacy in pushing for policy changes and resource allocation at higher levels of governance.

“We must continue to lobby our local, County and State politicians and courts to take action on getting all unhoused people into any kind of shelter quickly,” he urges.

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After devoting much of his time and energies to this issue, Brian also understands the intricate challenges of engaging with individuals who may be resistant to assistance.

“Some of these people don’t trust the system and continue to refuse help. This needs to be addressed as well, so unhoused people can feel the system can actually help them.”

He highlights the need for building trust and tailoring support systems to meet the diverse needs and experiences of the unhoused population.

Brian also advocates for systemic change that addresses the root causes and provides comprehensive support for individuals to rebuild their lives.“Contending with the mental illness and drug addiction issue is paramount to any programing for getting people housed and back on their feet,” he shares.

"The process needs to be comprehensive. Many will require hospitalization and long term medical care facilities before they can go into any kind of permanent housing.” 

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Brian’s five decades of dedication to Hollywood, coupled with his profound concern for our unhoused population, paint a picture of a business leader deeply invested in the well-being of his neighborhood. His insights serve as a powerful reminder that finding long-term solutions will require sustained advocacy, a nuanced understanding of the challenges faced by the unhoused, and a commitment to comprehensive and systemic solutions.

Leading by example, Brian continues to light the way for a healthier, better connected, and more compassionate Hollywood.

Additional resources:

• For more information about Hollywood Offices, their continuing efforts addressing homelessness, or to arrange a tour of their available spaces, you can email Brian here.
• Hollywood Offices website
• Brian’s LinkedIn page

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