This fundraiser is being organized by the New Jersey Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists to support journalist Mark Tyler and his family. The page is being managed by SPJ-NJ board members Krystal Knapp and Steve Lubetkin.

Just two days before Christmas, tragedy struck the Tyler family. Their lifelong family home — the house where Mark and his brother Raymond grew up — was engulfed in flames and largely destroyed.

At the time of the fire, Mark and Raymond were living there while caring for their 80-year-old mother, who has serious mobility issues. She was fortunate to escape with her life. Everything else was lost. Nearly all of the family’s possessions were destroyed, leaving them suddenly without a home.

The family is now living in a hotel while searching for an affordable rental as they navigate the long road to rebuilding. Right now, their homeowner’s insurance will only cover temporary housing through the end of January, creating an urgent and uncertain situation. In addition, their mother requires ongoing assistance from a home health aide, adding to the financial and emotional strain.

Mark and Raymond are pillars of their community. Mark is the publisher of Atlantic City Focus, a local news outlet that serves and amplifies the voices of Black residents in Atlantic City. The local news outlet provides vital coverage and community connection in a city too often overlooked by larger media outlets.

Beyond journalism, Mark is deeply committed to mentoring young people through a drum corps and through his church ministry. Raymond serves as arts and entertainment editor for Atlantic City Focus and produces The Light Morning Show, uplifting local voices and culture.

Now, this family that has spent years giving back needs help from the community they serve — and from all of us who believe in local journalism, mutual aid, and showing up when it matters most.

Your donation will help the Tyler family begin the long process of recovery after this devastating loss, helping them pay for housing/rent, clothes, equipment for work, and other items the family urgently needs to replace that they lost in the fire.

Any amount makes a difference, and sharing this fundraiser is also a powerful way to help. All funds will be directly transferred from the GoFundMe to Mark's bank account.

Thank you for standing with Mark, Raymond, and their mom during this incredibly difficult time.

As a journalist, I have known Mark Tyler for several years. He is a supportive and kind colleague and is dedicated to serving his community through his reporting. Let's support our colleague and friend. -Krystal Knapp for SPJ