Beauty 2 The Streetz Founder and Homeless Advocate Shirley Raines Dies At 58
Beauty 2 The Streetz founder and homeless advocate Shirley Raines has passed away at the age of 58, leaving behind a legacy that changed lives, shifted narratives, and brought dignity to Skid Row and beyond.
According to a spokesperson for the Clark County Coroner’s Office, Raines died on Jan. 27 in Las Vegas. The heartbreaking news was first shared by her nonprofit organization, Beauty 2 The Streetz, in an emotional Instagram statement posted the following day.
For years, Shirley Raines wasn’t just serving the unhoused — she was standing with them. She fed people. She listened to them. And more importantly, she made the world see them. Her work became a beacon of hope in Los Angeles and across social media, where millions followed her mission of love in action.
Shirley Raines’ Passing Confirmed by Coroner and Beauty 2 The Streetz
The loss of Shirley Raines hit hard for those who knew her work and those who felt her love firsthand. A spokesperson for the Clark County Coroner’s Office confirmed to PEOPLE that Raines passed away on Jan. 27, with the location of her death listed as Las Vegas. Soon after, Beauty 2 The Streetz confirmed the devastating news in a public statement that echoed the grief felt across communities.
“It is with profound sorrow and heavy hearts that Beauty 2 The Streetz announces the passing of our beloved CEO and founder, Shirley Raines, affectionately known to so many as Ms. Shirley,” the organization shared. “This loss is devastating to the entire Beauty 2 The Streetz team, the communities we serve, and the countless individuals whose lives were forever changed by Ms. Shirley’s love, generosity, and selfless service.”
That message spoke volumes because Ms. Shirley wasn’t just a founder — she was family. Moreover, she showed up consistently, even when the cameras were off. While many people talk about helping the homeless, Shirley Raines actually did the work. Day after day, she walked Skid Row with purpose, compassion, and a deep understanding that humanity comes first.
Additionally, her death has sparked an outpouring of love across Instagram and TikTok. Supporters, volunteers, and those she served shared stories, tears, and gratitude. Clearly, her impact went far beyond nonprofit work. She built trust. She built community. And she built hope where it was desperately needed.
Who Was Shirley Raines? A Mother, Activist, and Visionary
Shirley Raines was a mother of six based in Long Beach, California, but her reach stretched far beyond her home. She was the founder of Beauty 2 The Streetz, a nonprofit dedicated to serving the unhoused population living in Skid Row — a 50-block area in Downtown Los Angeles known for having one of the largest homeless populations in the country.
However, Shirley didn’t view Skid Row as a statistic. Instead, she saw people. She saw stories. And she saw worth. That mindset shaped everything Beauty 2 The Streetz stood for. Through food distribution, hygiene kits, clothing, and personal care, she met people’s immediate needs. Yet, she also addressed something deeper — dignity.
Moreover, Shirley’s background as a Black woman and mother deeply informed her approach. She understood struggle. She understood survival. And she understood how easily society overlooks those without a voice. Because of that, she used her platform to amplify the humanity of people often reduced to labels.
Her work wasn’t performative. It was personal. And it was consistent. Over time, Beauty 2 The Streetz became more than an organization. It became a movement rooted in empathy, action, and respect.
Changing the Narrative Around Homelessness
One of Shirley Raines’ most powerful contributions was her ability to change how the world viewed homelessness. On Instagram and TikTok, Beauty 2 The Streetz amassed a combined following of more than six million people. Through short clips and raw moments, Shirley introduced the world to people living on Skid Row — not as stereotypes, but as individuals.
She famously offered makeovers to women in the community. However, those moments were never about vanity. Instead, they were about visibility and respect. She showed that feeling seen can be just as important as receiving food.
In a 2020 interview with PEOPLE, Shirley explained her mission in her own words:
“One of the things I wanted to do was change the face of homelessness, and I thought I was going to do that through hair and all these things. But I soon understood we needed to change the narrative of what ‘homeless’ means. Just because they’re without a home does not mean they’re without love. They are homeless, but a lot of them are not jobless. A lot of them are not kidless, phoneless or familyless. There are many levels of poverty as there are many levels of wealth.”