Former Child Star Tylor Chase Faces Ongoing Homelessness Struggle
Authorities are addressing concerns as former Ned’s Declassified School Survival Guide star Tylor Chase continues to face difficulties with homelessness.
“What we’re observing with Tylor is, regrettably, a situation we encounter frequently, not just in Riverside, but throughout California,” Riverside Police Chief Larry Gonzalez stated in a communication to Us Weekly on Wednesday, December 31. “From the videos circulating online, it’s evident he is battling substance use and untreated mental health challenges. The difficulty lies in that our current mental health system is largely predicated on voluntary participation. Even when someone is clearly in crisis, they must willingly accept assistance unless very specific legal requirements are met.”
Earlier this month, Chase’s living circumstances became public after admirers shared videos of the former child actor experiencing homelessness in Riverside, California. (Los Angeles is over 55 miles away.)
Mighty Ducks performer Shaun Weiss offered assistance to residents in locating Chase, 36, and providing him with support at Eleven 11 Recovery.
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In a video posted on Instagram shared on Monday, December 29, Weiss confirmed that Chase was not participating in a rehabilitation program.
“Long before the recent public attention, and continuing since then, outreach teams have been in regular contact with Tylor and have repeatedly presented services,” Gonzalez said in his latest statement. “He has come close to accepting help, but ultimately that final decision must be made by the individual, and at this point he has declined those services.”
The Riverside Police Chief continued, “Without a voluntary agreement or meeting strict legal criteria for involuntary treatment, individuals are released back into the community, often without ongoing care. It’s a frustrating and disheartening cycle that highlights the broader shortcomings in how we, as a society, address mental health, addiction and homelessness.”
Chase portrayed middle school student Martin Qwerly on Ned’s Declassified School Survival Guide throughout the Nickelodeon show’s three-season run between 2004 and 2007.
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His other acting roles include an appearance on Everybody Hates Chris and a part in the 2007 independent film Good Time Max with James Franco.
Chase’s living conditions have drawn the attention of several former colleagues, including Ned’s Declassified School Survival Guide actor Devon Werkheiser.
Although he hasn’t connected with Chase in nearly 20 years, Werkheiser, 34, expressed considerable empathy for his former coworker’s situation.
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“Tylor was a sensitive, kind and gentle kid. It is deeply saddening to see him in this condition,” Werkheiser, 34, told TMZ in an interview published on December 22. “Anyone who has dealt with severe addiction and significant mental health issues understands it’s an incredibly difficult situation if they are unwilling to seek help. It’s a daily struggle to improve things. It requires substantial support, patience and time.”
As admirers continue to provide resources and support to Chase, Riverside Police emphasized that the former child star’s experience may be more prevalent than some realize.
“Tylor’s situation is not unique,” Gonzales shared. “It reflects what we see every single day among many individuals experiencing homelessness in our community.”
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
