Bloomington's very own Tynika Smith has made a name for herself in the Twin Cities community, thanks to her unwavering commitment to supporting the area's unhoused population. Known fondly as "Ms. T," she juggles a full-time job at a bank and raising four children with serving hot meals to those without homes every other Sunday, according to a story first shared by Bloomington's official website.
Smith's contributions go beyond just food. Her holiday initiatives include cooking Thanksgiving feasts and assembling donations for Christmas and Mother’s Day, but it's not just meals and gifts, she actively engages with the individuals she aids, addressing more profound issues like transportation and housing woes and in that hustle, her teenage daughter Zekarhia, featured in the original article, and a toddler also lend their hands in putting together and delivering essential care packages.
The extended efforts of Ms. T have not gone unnoticed by her family, with her 14-year-old daughter Zekarhia vocalizing appreciation for their participation in the community; "The best part is seeing peoples' faces when we are handing things out," she told the City of Bloomington's news outlet.
With a vision for the future, Ms. T has aspirations to open a free store that would operate twice a week to distribute necessities to the unhoused, this idea stems from a deep sense of community and a desire to help, "It’s really all about the community of people," Tynika shared, expressing her gratitude for her own position to give back, "I am so blessed to be in a position to be able to help others and I love to do it," she elaborated in the discussion with Bloomington officials.
