Hollywood House offers a haven for gay men battling addiction

BY JONATHAN RIGGS

Gay men in recovery have a place to call home, thanks to John Rolls and his partner Alan Schwartz.

FRONTIERS: What's the mission of Hollywood House?

JOHN ROLLS: To provide gay men — who are newly sober and in recovery from alcohol and drug addiction — with a safe, structured environment. We feel this structure builds a strong foundation much needed in long-term sobriety. We designed the house to be a stepping stone for the guys to use to get back into life.

Why is this project important to you personally?

I am so grateful to have a life again. You see, I was the hopeless addict. One of the last rehabs I went to told my parents to give up on me—the director told them I would end up in prison or dead. I am living proof that people can change. I try and instill in the men who come and stay with us at Hollywood House that anything is possible. At the first sober living house where I stayed, I was the only gay man and I felt very isolated. This was in Bowling Green, Kentucky. My partner Alan and I wanted to have a house for gay men owned by gay men. We also designated two beds for HIV-positive men, and wanted to make sure these men had a place to grow in their recovery.

Tell me a little bit about the house itself.

It was built by Paramount Studios in the 1920s and really hadn't been touched since. Alan and I saw it as a diamond in the rough. We turned it into a three-bedroom, two-bathroom house. The house has a large TV in the living room and another TV upstairs in the loft/reading area. We have wireless Internet access and provide a computer for the guys. There is a Jacuzzi and gym. We are centrally located in the heart of Hollywood.

What kinds of programs and services do you have in the house?

The guys go to 12-step meetings and we also have a weekly house meeting. The guys have to work. If they can afford not to work, they must volunteer 20 hours per week. I really believe that this instills in these men the sense of community.

How do you know Hollywood House is making a difference?

I see the difference this house has made not only in the lives of the men who live here, but also in my own life. I look forward to the time I spend with these guys. It's funny-Alan is known as "Papa Bear" and I am "Mama Bear" to the guys, and the house really promotes a sense of family. It has been a wonderful experience.

You've made a huge chunk of your life all about nonprofit work-working at Van Ness House, founding/running Hollywood House and doing outreach work at bathhouses and spas. What inspires you?

You never know when some little thing you do or word you say may plant a seed to change someone's life. Hollywood House is a private nonprofit, not getting any governmental support. [We’ve] had a fundraiser at The Eagle LA, and we just want to thank Hunter, Charlie and Justin who with their support made the fundraiser a success.

Right now you have four men living there, including a doctor and a lawyer. What would you say to someone who believes that professionals don't need services like you offer?

Addiction knows no boundaries. It crosses every socio-economic line; it seems to touch every family. I have met men who have professional careers and have lost everything.

You and Alan are doing this at great personal expense ($70,000 of work on the house, for one). Why is it worth it?

These men are worth it. They deserve the chance for a better life.

Why is it important for the gay community to take care of our own?

We have the responsibility—if we don't, who will?

What would you say to gay men reading this who have a drug and/or alcohol problem?

Ask for help. Call us, the Van Ness House, Alternatives, Friends Community Center. Go to a meeting and raise your hand and ask for help. Do whatever it takes to save your life.

For more information on Hollywood House, call 310/927.5409.