Delaware

Landlord accused of targeting homeless families in Delaware | Investigation

Published

2 months ago

September 20, 2024

Landlord accused of targeting homeless families in Delaware | Investigation

NEW CASTLE, Delaware (WPVI) — Several homeless families say they signed leases with the help of New Castle County officials for homes that weren’t delivered.

Some used government funds to secure the housing.

The home in question is located at 7030 Woodland Avenue in Southwest Philadelphia.

When the Investigative Team stopped by the property, it appeared vacant. A peek in the window also showed a home in disrepair.

The home was supposed to be a sanctuary for David Rogers, who was unhoused, and his 13-year-old daughter.

“You know, my back was to the wall because I didn’t have any other option except to pursue that one,” he said.

At the time, Rogers was staying at the New Castle County Hope Center, which provides housing and support for homelessness.

With his 90-day stay coming to an end, he told the Investigative Team his county case worker gave him contact information for Toure Henderson who claimed to run a company called Wealth of Society.

Wealth of Society claimed to be in the real estate, cars and construction business, according to a 2019 YouTube video.

“He says he’s working with the town. He’s done this before. He’s placed other families in places. Call him,” recalled Rogers.

Rogers did make that call. He said Henderson offered up that Woodland Avenue home in Philadelphia, even documenting in the lease that it would be furnished. His move-in was scheduled for January 1. Rogers scrounged up $2,200 from family and friends and signed the lease.

“The guy was sweating me so much for the money,” he added.

But the move never happened. So, Rogers went to his New Castle County caseworker for help and soon learned others had also given money to Henderson.

“So I went on, you know, all the websites,” said Shawntae Hughes. “Unfortunately, I even went on Craigslist. That’s where I met Toure.”

Hughes said she found herself homeless after a shooting at her Wilmington home last summer.

After several months at Hope Center, the state’s victim compensation fund gave her $7,200 to find a home. She signed a lease with Henderson for a November 2023 move-in date on that same Woodland Avenue property. But she said when it was time to move in, Henderson said it wasn’t ready and he bounced her from hotel to hotel for several weeks.

“January 1, he says, I’m done,” recalled Hughes. “I’m canceling your lease. You’re getting nothing else from me.”

Carrie Casey is with Hope Center. She alleges Henderson also took $6,600 in county money and didn’t deliver a home for another homeless woman.

David Rogers questions why the county referred him to Henderson without properly vetting the alleged landlord.

“We do not vet the landlords,” said Casey.

Casey said they tell all clients to vet any landlord or property themselves. She added that the Hope Center only aids in helping to locate housing for the homeless, which is often difficult because many landlords are reluctant.

The Investigative Team reached Toure Henderson by phone and he agreed to an interview. By phone, he denied any wrongdoing to our Chad Pradelli.

“Are you renting houses that are not ready to be rented out?” asked Pradelli.

“Absolutely not,” replied Henderson.

Henderson also blamed vandalism for his inability to rent the Woodland Avenue home.

“Do you have any rental licenses you could provide us?” asked Pradelli.

“I didn’t rent the property,” Henderson replied.

“What do you mean? You’re on the leases,” said Pradelli.

“How can you take deposits for properties that aren’t finished and don’t have licenses?” Pradelli pressed again.

“Because there is nowhere to rent thanks to your government,” Henderson replied.

Within a few days of our phone interview, Henderson wrote three checks totaling roughly $16,000 to New Castle County, the State of Delaware, and David Rogers.

Both Rogers and Hughes told us they did eventually find homes.

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Delaware

Here are 9 holiday light shows to catch this season in the Delaware, Philadelphia region

Published

8 hours ago

November 23, 2024

Press Room

Here are 9 holiday light shows to catch this season in the Delaware, Philadelphia region

From walks to drive-thrus, there are plenty of opportunities to catch a holiday light show this season.

Various shows and events are taking place throughout Delaware and across the Philadelphia region this year.

Here are nine holiday light shows to check out:

Longwood Gardens

Spectators of the holiday light show at Longwood Gardens are in for a special treat this year as “A Longwood Christmas” kicks off amid the opening of “Longwood Reimagined.”

The expansion features new spaces like the West Conservatory, which will offer new areas to deck out for the holidays.

Longwood Gardens, located near Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, launched its holiday light display on Friday, Nov. 22, and it will run daily through Jan. 12. To make a reservation, visit the sprawling garden’s website.

Address: 1001 Longwood Road, near Kennett Square, Pennsylvania

Website: longwoodgardens.org

Yuletide at Winterthur Museum, Garden and Library

Holidays at the Winterthur Museum on Route 52 features twinkling lights adorning the woodlands, a large-scale gingerbread house and an 18-room dollhouse, according to the museum’s website.

The holiday display will be open to the public starting Saturday, Nov. 23, and will run through Sunday, Jan. 5.

You can purchase tickets online or by calling the museum at 800-448-3883.

Address: 5105 Kennett Pike, Winterthur, Delaware

Website: winterthur.org/

Holidays at Hagley

Get a glimpse of Hagley Museum and Library around the holidays with a holiday home and garden tour.

The site features a gingerbread house contest, Santa day, holiday night tours and more.

The holiday experience at Hagley runs from Sunday, Nov. 29 through Wednesday, Jan. 1. Purchase tickets online to schedule your holiday tour.

Address: 200 Hagley Creek Road, Greenville, Delaware

Website: hagley.org/

Drone show at the Riverfront

The Wilmington Riverfront during the evening hours of Friday, Dec. 6, will host a drone holiday light show.

The free holiday light show will take place on the Riverwalk. For more information about the event, visit the Riverfront’s website.

Address: Michael S Purzycki Riverwalk in Wilmington, Delaware

Website: riverfrontwilm.com/event/drone-light-show

Shady Brook Farm

If you are willing to take a drive for a holiday light display, look no further than Yardley, Pennsylvania’s Shady Brook Farm.

You can drive through the holiday show yourself or take a wagon ride through. The holiday festivities begin Saturday, Nov. 23 and run through Jan. 5, 2025. Ticket prices are per vehicle and vary depending on the day of your visit.

The farm also features Santa’s Village with gifts, treats, firepits and a Candy Cane Lane walk-through.

Address: 931 Stony Hill Road, Yardley, Pennsylvania

Website: shadybrookfarm.com

Gift of Lights Dover

The Dover Motor Speedway will once again host its drive-thru holiday light show this year.

Tickets are priced per carload at $35 per car and $60 per bus or limo.

Address: 1229 Persimmon Tree Lane, Dover, Delaware

Website: giftoflights.ticketspice.com/gift-of-lights-dover

The Brandywine Railroad

Since 1972, the Brandywine Railroad has displayed model trains, including locomotives, passenger and freight trains, and trolleys as part of its annual holiday display.

The display also features interactive options like “push buttons and foot pedals” so visitors can engage with the train setup.

The holiday display began on Saturday, Nov. 16, and runs through Jan. 5. For more information visit the Brandywine Museum of Arts’ website.

Address: 1 Hoffman’s Mill Road, Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania

Website: brandywine.org/museum

Holiday Lights Express

Take a festive ride on 100-year-old heated coaches through the Red Clay Valley to see homes decorated for the holidays.

The Wilmington & Western Railroad hosts one-hour evening train rides during the month of December. To purchase train tickets, visit the venue’s website.

For a visit from Santa Claus, be sure to reserve train tickets for the Santa Claus Express.

Address: 2201 Newport Gap Pike, Prices Corner, Delaware

Website: wwrr.com/ride/events/holiday-lights

NOËL at Nemours Estate

Experience the holidays at the Nemours Estate by touring the 77-room mansion, chauffer’s garage and gardens adorned in twinkling lights.

The estate also will feature live music performances throughout the season.

The festivities at the Nemours Estate began Tuesday, Nov. 19 and will extend through Sunday, Dec. 29. Purchase tickets on the estate’s website and reserve your visit.

Address: 1600 Rockland Road, Rockland, Delaware

Website: nemoursestate.org

Got a tip? Contact Amanda Fries at afries@delawareonline.com. Follow her on X at @mandy_fries.

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Delaware

Dolgeville vs Delaware Academy

Published

16 hours ago

November 23, 2024

Press Room

N. Scott Trimble

High School football 2024 Class D playoffs: Dolgeville vs. Delaware Academy

Dolgeville battles Delaware Academy at Cicero-North Syracuse Friday, November 22, 2024 for the Class D playoffs. (N. Scott Trimble | strimble@syracuse.com)Get Photo

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Delaware

The Delaware Springboard Villages to build a new community center – 47abc

Published

24 hours ago

November 22, 2024

Press Room

The Delaware Springboard Villages to build a new community center – 47abc

GEORGETOWN, Del. – The Delaware Springboard Villages announced Friday, that they would be breaking ground on a new community center. Co-founder of the organization, Jeffrey Ronald thinks this new center will bring more unity into the neighborhood.

“Breaking ground on this community center is not just for the participants of the Springboard Village. It’s for the broader Georgetown community where they will have access to job training, life skills like financial planning, communication skills, and healthcare.”

The state-of-the-art facility will feature computer labs, a telehealth conference room, staff offices, and a commercial kitchen. These resources will help guests toward self-sufficiency.

Executive Director, of Springboard Delaware, Judson Malone thinks this can be life-changing for those in need.

“It gives them a completely new perspective, and it is incredible when people come from the woods. It’s almost transformational, their whole outlook changes, and so the community center is going to build on that.”

According to Springboard Delaware, nearly 25% of guests have gained full employment. Around one-third have transitioned to permanent housing. Ronald is excited about the future of the Springboard Villages.

Governor-elect, Matt Meyer supports the organization. Ronald believes this will only grow stronger. “Matt Meyer who spearheaded the Hope Center, has been to the Springboard Village. He has kindly declared, and we think wisely declared, that he wants to replicate this model across the entire state. Hoping to help disadvantaged Delawareans build a better life.”

The villages are located on the property of the First State Community Action Agency behind their Georgetown headquarters. It houses up to 40 individuals.
It is the expectation they come in with a plan to find full employment.

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