A recent fundraiser for former Nickelodeon actor Tylor Chase, best known for his role as Martin Qwerly on the early 2000s series Ned’s Declassified School Survival Guide, has sparked widespread discussion online after a video of the actor living in difficult conditions in Los Angeles went viral. The campaign, launched by a social media influencer, quickly met its financial goal but has also raised questions about how the donations were spent.
Tylor Chase’s Nickelodeon Career
Tylor Chase gained recognition for his recurring role in Ned’s Declassified School Survival Guide, a teen sitcom that aired on Nickelodeon from 2004 to 2007. The show, created by Scott Fellows, became a cultural touchstone for many viewers in the mid-2000s, following the lives of students navigating middle school with humor and creativity.
Chase’s character, Martin Qwerly, was known for his fast-talking personality and comedic timing, making him a memorable part of the show’s ensemble cast.
Viral Video Shows Former Actor Living on the Streets
In late September 2025, a video posted by an influencer who goes by the name “Lethal” on social media platforms, including TikTok, showed Chase living on the streets of Los Angeles, California. In the footage, the 36-year-old actor appeared to be experiencing homelessness. The clip quickly spread online, gaining widespread attention from fans who remembered him from his Nickelodeon days.
Many viewers expressed concern for Chase’s well-being and began calling for ways to support him. The influencer decided to launch a GoFundMe campaign to provide immediate aid.
Fundraiser Reaches Goal Quickly
The GoFundMe fundraiser was created with the stated goal of providing Chase with safe housing, food, basic necessities, and access to resources to help him get back on his feet. The campaign description stated that “every donation, no matter the size, will make a real difference in giving Tylor hope and stability as he works toward a brighter future.”
The campaign quickly reached its goal, collecting $1,207 in donations. Once the goal was met, the fundraiser link was locked to prevent further contributions.
How the Funds Were Spent
In a follow-up video shared by the influencer, viewers saw her using the funds to purchase essential clothing and hygiene supplies for Chase. The video showed her carrying several bags containing jackets, pants, shoes, and a backpack. She also provided a street-side hair washing and grooming session, using water bottles and hair products to clean his hair.
After the grooming, Chase was given each piece of clothing, visibly emotional as he expressed gratitude. The video ended with the influencer, Chase, and another individual smiling for a group photo.
The influencer explained in the video that the entire $1,207 raised was spent in one day on these efforts. She emphasized that the purchases were intended to provide Chase with immediate comfort and a sense of dignity while living in difficult circumstances.
Online Reactions to the Fundraiser
The videos documenting Chase’s situation and the subsequent makeover drew mixed reactions across social media platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.
Many commenters praised the influencer for taking initiative and offering direct help, describing her actions as kind and compassionate. Some users thanked her for bringing attention to Chase’s situation, noting that the videos inspired others to think about how they might support people experiencing homelessness in their own communities.
Others raised concerns about the limited scope of the fundraiser’s outcome compared to its stated goals. Some viewers pointed out that while clothing and grooming are valuable, long-term support—such as stable housing, medical care, or professional assistance—would be more sustainable.
Concerns About Tylor Chase’s Well-Being
According to multiple social media comments and messages shared by the influencer, people who claimed to personally know Tylor Chase reached out privately to provide context about his current condition. One individual reportedly said that Chase requires ongoing medical attention and has struggled to maintain communication devices or manage finances independently.
Publicly available posts from Chase’s past social media accounts have also indicated that he has been open about his mental health challenges, including living with bipolar disorder. Mental health professionals often emphasize that individuals experiencing homelessness may face complex barriers to care, such as lack of access to consistent treatment, housing instability, and social isolation.
Homelessness in Los Angeles: A Broader Issue
Tylor Chase’s situation also highlights a much larger issue in Los Angeles, where the unhoused population continues to grow despite numerous local initiatives. According to the 2024 Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) Homeless Count, more than 75,000 people were experiencing homelessness in Los Angeles County on any given night, marking one of the highest rates in the United States.
Many people experiencing homelessness face overlapping challenges, including mental health conditions, substance use disorders, unemployment, and lack of affordable housing. Short-term fundraising campaigns can provide immediate relief, but experts emphasize the importance of connecting individuals with long-term housing solutions, medical care, and social services to support recovery and stability.
The Role of Social Media in Fundraising
Social media platforms have become powerful tools for crowdfunding and raising awareness, especially when viral videos feature public figures or individuals with past fame. While these campaigns can lead to immediate financial support, experts often caution that long-term support plans are critical to ensuring sustained impact.
In Chase’s case, the viral video not only brought widespread attention to his personal situation but also sparked broader conversations about responsible fundraising, mental health support, and the complexities of homelessness.
Tylor Chase’s Next Steps
As of early October 2025, there have been no official updates from Chase or his family regarding long-term plans for housing or medical support. The influencer behind the fundraiser has continued to share occasional updates with her followers, thanking donors and encouraging ongoing compassion for those in similar situations.
While the immediate fundraiser provided Chase with clothing and grooming, it remains unclear what further assistance he will receive in the future. Many fans have expressed hope that he can access professional resources to address his needs and achieve long-term stability.
Conclusion
The story of Tylor Chase’s fundraiser underscores the power of social media to mobilize support quickly — and the challenges of translating that support into sustainable, long-term solutions. While the $1,207 campaign brought temporary relief and global attention to his circumstances, advocates stress that meaningful change for individuals experiencing homelessness often requires coordinated community support, healthcare, and stable housing.
Chase’s journey has prompted many fans of Ned’s Declassified School Survival Guide to reflect on the difficulties former child actors sometimes face after leaving the spotlight and to consider how collective efforts can better support people in need.
