08/31/2026
As we close out the month of August we want you to meet Teeni. we sat down with Teeni, who's been coming to CSL for a little less than a month, to hear her story in her own words.
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Voices from Corner Shower and Laundry: Meet Teeni
Every month, Corner Shower and Laundry serves neighbors who bring far more to our doors than a need for clean clothes and a hot shower — they bring resilience, faith, and stories worth hearing.
How did you find Corner Shower and Laundry?
"Pretty much word of mouth. I frequent the area downtown and the transit center — that's kind of a popular area to recommend these types of services."
What led you here?
"A combination of things. But the truth of the matter — I'm standing real firm... and so I had to make some sacrifices, surrender some things, in order to have a different outcome. So this is like my ground zero."
For Teeni, this moment isn't an ending — it's a beginning. "This is like a restart," she told us. "It's been a blessing throughout my journey — to be able to maintain my dignity and integrity as a woman, as a woman of God, and to be able to face things despite my situation."
On staying grounded
Teeni's warmth and positivity are immediately apparent — and when asked how she maintains her safety and sense of self, her answer came from a place of deep faith: "Stand firm in who I am and whose I am — as a woman of faith. I can see it, I can feel it." She added, "I already know [a way out] is the outcome. I had a purpose, and I'm just doing it. It's a way that doesn't make sense to most people, but it's not supposed to — and that's where I have the peace."
On community and worth
"I know this is bigger than me," Teeni shared. "I'm not solely here for me — I'm here for people."
Reflecting on her experience at CSL, she offered high praise: "This is the best place out of what I've known to be available. All the way around the board, I've been grateful."
On being seen
One of the most powerful parts of our conversation was Teeni's reflection on visibility. "I think that's the one thing I've learned — how people feel invisible," she said. "If I'm carrying my bags, they completely shut me out from their eyesight. But if I put the bag down and walk past the same person, I'm a normal person, I'm accepted, people say hi. But if I have too many bags, you're perceived differently, treated differently."
She recalled one moment that stayed with her: someone told her, "You don't even look like a crackhead, you don't even look like an alcoholic" — meant as a compliment, but revealing so much about the assumptions people carry. "That's not the whole picture," Teeni said simply.
On strength and healing
Teeni was candid about the inner work behind her outward resilience: "I've been in therapy to heal my past pains and traumas, even while I've been out here — doing my best to keep myself mentally, physically, and emotionally healthy. It's a job, it's been a task, and I dedicate every day to it."
Her closing words
As our conversation came to a close, Teeni wanted to leave something behind for others: "I would like to say thank you — to yourself, to the church, to everybody who plays a part. Thank you to the people who show up and try. And I want everyone to know: they are worth it."
She added a message especially for other women: "Sometimes as women, we don't lift each other up in a way that lets us know we are worth a lot."
Teeni's story is a reminder of why Corner Shower and Laundry exists — not just to meet basic needs, but to see and honor the dignity of every person who walks through our doors. Thank you, Teeni, for sharing your voice with our community.
To learn more about The Corner Shower and Laundry, volunteer, or make a donation, visit us at www.cornershowerandlaundry.com or reach out at [email protected].
