Former Nickelodeon Star Tylor Chase Faces Homelessness

A video of Tylor Chase, best known for playing Martin Qwerly on Nickelodeon’s Ned’s Declassified School Survival Guide, living on the streets in Riverside, California, has drawn widespread attention and concern from fans and celebrity supporters alike. The footage, originally shared in September 2025 and circulated again in December, showed Chase looking disheveled and struggling as a public figure who once found fame as a child actor.

The clips have reignited discussion about the challenges faced by former child stars, mental health struggles, and homelessness — and prompted an emotional public response from his former castmates, who say their priority is helping him get basic needs met and find a path toward stability.

Friends and Nickelodeon Co-Stars Step In

Daniel Curtis Lee, who starred as Simon “Cookie” Nelson-Cook on Ned’s Declassified, has taken a hands-on role in supporting Chase after seeing the viral footage. Lee posted on Instagram showing them eating a meal together and ensuring Chase had a hotel room where he could stay out of the cold and rain over the holidays. Lee described the situation as heartbreaking and emphasised that providing immediate shelter was “one step closer to long-term treatment.”

Lee also helped connect Chase with his father via FaceTime, and hopes to establish a rehab-contingent trust fund to support him if he chooses treatment. Former castmate Devon Werkheiser, who played the show’s lead Ned Bigby, has called the situation “heartbreaking” and underscored how difficult addiction and mental health recovery can be without mutual willingness to accept help.

Shaun Weiss, known for his role in The Mighty Ducks and a recovery advocate, offered to secure a bed at a recovery facility for Chase if he can be located and agrees to treatment. Weiss shared via Instagram that friends have arranged space at Eleven 11 Recovery in California, where Chase could begin long-term support — but acknowledged the challenge of locating him and gaining his consent.

Family Perspective and Complex Challenges

Tylor Chase’s mother previously spoke out after the first wave of viral videos, asking well-wishers not to donate money directly as he is reportedly unable to manage funds and needs medical and psychiatric help, according to messages shared with a supporter who started a GoFundMe campaign that was later shut down. She emphasised that clothing and shelter are more beneficial than cash, noting ongoing concerns about his well-being.

Police outreach teams have encountered Chase several times and confirmed they repeatedly offer temporary housing, mental health services, and drug or alcohol treatment, but he has declined those offers, choosing instead to stay in the area and remain independent. Despite police efforts and support, he has frequently refused shelter and care.

Broader Response and Public Debate

Fans and Reddit communities have debated the ethics of sharing videos of Chase’s situation, with many calling for compassion over sensationalism and urging media figures not to exploit his struggles for views. Some discussions highlight the impact of fame without a safety net, while others emphasise the need for empathy toward individuals facing housing insecurity and addiction without judgment.

Chase’s story has sparked a renewed conversation about how society treats former child actors, the long-term effects of mental illness and substance use disorders, and how support networks — both personal and professional — can play a role in recovery during vulnerable periods.

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