Former Nickelodeon Star Tylor Chase Faces Homelessness
The father of Nickelodeon star Tylor Chase has opened up about his son’s struggles with mental health, substance use, and homelessness. The 36-year-old actor, known for playing Martin Qwerly on Ned’s Declassified School Survival Guide (2004–2007), has faced a turbulent journey from stardom to life on the streets.
In September 2025, Chase was spotted in a fragile state in Riverside, California, sparking public concern about his wellbeing.
Early Intervention Efforts
After videos of Chase living on the streets went viral, former co-star Daniel Curtis Lee stepped in. Lee checked Chase into a hotel and shared the moment on Instagram. The video showed a warm reunion and ended with Chase being secured in safe shelter.
Social media influencer LetHallAllli also helped by creating a GoFundMe page, raising $1,207 to buy Chase new clothes and shoes. However, the fundraiser was later closed after Chase’s mother expressed concerns over his difficulties managing money.
Family’s Longstanding Support
Chase’s father, Joseph Mendez Jr., revealed that the family has sought mental health support for over a decade. According to Mendez, Chase, whose legal name is Tylor Kurtis Mendez, has struggled with substance dependence, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia since before 2015.
“He’s a wonderful person when he’s Tylor,” Mendez said. “For over a decade, we’ve tried treatment options, including substance use and mental health care.”
Chase briefly entered rehab in 2021, but progress was limited. He later discontinued medication and resumed substance use.
Recent Moves and Challenges
Chase moved from Georgia to California to be closer to his mother, hoping to stabilize his situation. Despite efforts from family and friends, he continues to refuse treatment.
Mendez stressed that Chase is deeply loved and that the family remains hopeful he will eventually accept help.
Friends and Co-Stars Step In
Lee and other co-stars, including Devon Werkheiser, who played Ned Bigby, have actively supported Chase. Lee also helped Chase reconnect with his father.
“Love is all we can really give people sometimes, and I’m happy he could connect with his pops,” Lee said.
Werkheiser described Chase as a “sensitive, sweet, and kind kid” and called his current situation heartbreaking. He hopes public attention will encourage someone with proper resources to help Chase enter treatment.
Ongoing Police Support
Riverside Police have offered Chase temporary shelter and mental health services, visiting him weekly. However, he has consistently declined assistance. Since August 2023, Chase has faced 12 criminal cases, mostly related to alleged shoplifting and substance use. Authorities emphasize that he remains cordial and cooperative and is not under current criminal investigation.
Chase himself denied having a serious mental health diagnosis but confirmed taking medications and regularly seeing his mother. He expressed a desire to reunite with his father in Georgia, where he hopes to access housing assistance.
“I’m not really active homeless at this time,” Chase said. “I’m planning to go see my dad in Georgia. I have a setup there and hopefully a housing assistance program to support me.”
