Shirley Raines, a beloved social media creator and non-profit founder who dedicated her life to supporting people experiencing homelessness, has died, as announced by her organization Beauty 2 The Streetz on Wednesday. She was 58 years old.
A Life of Compassion and Impact
Known affectionately as "Ms. Shirley" to her over 5 million TikTok followers and the countless individuals she served, Raines was a beacon of hope in Los Angeles' Skid Row and other homeless communities across California and Nevada. Her work involved distributing food, offering beauty treatments, and providing essential hygiene supplies, all aimed at restoring dignity to those in need.
Beauty 2 The Streetz shared on social media that Raines' life had an "immeasurable impact," highlighting her tireless advocacy and deep compassion. Through her powerful media platform, she amplified the voices of underserved populations, bringing resources and hope to some of the most vulnerable people in society.
Personal Tragedy Fuels a Mission
Raines' journey into homelessness advocacy began after a profound personal loss. She had six children, but one son died as a toddler, an experience that left her feeling "very broken," as she described in 2021 when named CNN's hero of the year. She often spoke about how this grief motivated her to help others, saying, "I am a mother without a son, and there are a lot of people in the street that are without a mother. And I feel like it's a fair exchange – I'm here for them."
She started working with homeless communities in 2017, and her efforts continued until her recent passing. In a video posted just days before her death, Raines was seen handing out lunches from her car, greeting recipients with warmth and respect, often calling them "King" or "Queen." Her cheerful demeanor and selfless acts, such as giving her shoes to a barefoot child, exemplified her commitment to making a difference.
Addressing a Widespread Crisis
Homelessness remains a significant and persistent issue in Los Angeles, with a 2025 survey estimating that around 72,000 people were homeless on any given night across the county. Areas like Skid Row are filled with makeshift tents and encampments, highlighting the urgent need for compassionate interventions like those Raines provided.
Crushow Herring, art director of the Sidewalk Project, noted that Raines was both sentimental and protective of the homeless community. He shared that her death has shocked many, from Skid Row residents to broader Angelenos, emphasizing how her work gave people something to look forward to and helped them feel dignified.
Legacy of Empowerment and Recognition
Raines' approach went beyond mere charity; she often involved homeless individuals in her efforts, giving them roles within her organization to foster responsibility and motivation. Melissa Acedera, founder of Polo's Pantry, recalled how Raines remembered birthdays and reached out to marginalized groups, such as transgender and queer people, ensuring no one was overlooked.
In 2025, Raines was honoured with the NAACP Image award for outstanding social media personality, a testament to her influence and dedication. Following her death, tributes poured in from fellow creators, with Alexis Nikole Nelson, known as "blackforager," describing her as "love incarnate" and "the best of us."
While the cause of Raines' death has not been disclosed, her organization has promised to share more information when available. Her legacy of kindness and advocacy continues to inspire, reminding us of the power of compassion in addressing social challenges.
