... at least over multiple directories.

Yes, I saw. But the include()s are relative, and not working

PHP include works on the primary index.php page because it is in the same directory as the include() file.
On, say, http://hpsrc.com/site/about.php/ gives me this error message:
\
Warning: include() [function.include]: open_basedir restriction in effect. File(../layout.php) is not within the allowed path(s): (VIRTUAL_DOCUMENT_ROOT:.) in /home/freehost/t35.com/h/p/hpsrc/site/about.php on line 4

Warning: include(../layout.php) [function.include]: failed to open stream: Operation not permitted in /home/freehost/t35.com/h/p/hpsrc/site/about.php on line 4

Warning: include() [function.include]: Failed opening '../layout.php' for inclusion (include_path='.:/usr/local/lib/php') in /home/freehost/t35.com/h/p/hpsrc/site/about.php on line 4

so I have to keep all of the files in the same folder?

Alright, thanks!