Philanthropist Shirley Raines, L.A. Homeless Advocate, Passes Away at 58
Shirley Raines, a dedicated advocate for the homeless community, passed away at her home in Las Vegas on Tuesday. She was 58 years old. Raines was the founder of the nonprofit organization Beauty 2 the Streetz, which provided essential services to individuals experiencing homelessness.
Impact on the Homeless Community
Known to millions of followers as Ms. Shirley, Raines documented her outreach efforts on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram. She engaged with the homeless population, particularly on Skid Row in Los Angeles, distributing food, hygiene products, and makeovers.
Raines often referred to the people she assisted as “kings and queens.” She fostered personal relationships and created what she described as an “internet family.” Her approach resonated widely, helping to raise awareness about the struggles faced by those without stable housing.
Background and Personal Struggles
Born on December 29, 1967, in Compton, California, Shirley Diane Raines faced challenges early in life. After experiencing homelessness herself in the early 1990s, she used her past to fuel her passion for helping others.
- Lost her son, Demetrius J. Stephens Jr., at the age of two due to accidental poisoning.
- Worked various jobs, including as a 411 operator and fitness instructor.
Raines struggled with her mental health, openly discussing her battles with anxiety and depression. In interviews, she highlighted how self-care practices, including personal grooming, helped her cope with emotional pain.
Founding of Beauty 2 the Streetz
In 2017, a volunteering experience ignited Raines’s commitment to helping the homeless. Her twin sister encouraged her to seek stability, leading Raines to an event where she first connected with those in need.
Initially starting as a volunteer, she soon began to provide beauty services, which gained her a significant following. She officially established Beauty 2 the Streetz as a nonprofit in 2019.
Celebrity Recognition and Legacy
Raines’s humanitarian work earned her notable accolades. In 2021, she was named CNN’s Hero of the Year and featured in Time magazine’s list of notable creators. Her influence also extended to the N.A.A.C.P., where she was recognized as an Outstanding Social Media Personality in 2025.
Despite her recognition, Raines remained grounded, expressing concern for her children as her public profile grew. Her daughter, Danielle Williams, confirmed Raines’s passing, stating that the cause of death had yet to be determined.
Lasting Impact
Beauty 2 the Streetz continues to serve those in need. Raines’s efforts have been praised by numerous advocates who believe in the importance of individual connections in improving self-esteem among the homeless. Her organization stated her death leaves a devastating hole for both the community she served and her family.
Shirley Raines’s legacy as a philanthropist and L.A. homeless advocate will undoubtedly resonate for years to come, inspiring others to continue her important work.
