Landlord accused of targeting homeless families in Delaware

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.