'Beauty 2 the Streetz' Founder Shirley Raines Has Suddenly Passed Away – Details

Shirley Raines dedicated her life to restoring dignity to those living on the streets. Now, her community is mourning her sudden and unexpected loss.

Shirley Raines, the bold and compassionate founder of Beauty 2 The Streetz and CNN's 2021 Hero of the Year, has passed away at the age of 58. She was discovered unresponsive beside her bed during a wellness check at her home in Nevada on Tuesday, January 27.

Her twin sister, Sheila, confirmed the heartbreaking news and said Raines had been in good health, was not taking medication, and that the family does not suspect foul play. An official determination has not yet been released. Autopsy results are pending.

Nonprofit Confirms Her Passing with Profound Sorrow

On January 28, Raines's nonprofit announced her passing in a statement shared on Instagram.

"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 post read.

It continued, "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."

Founded in 2017, Beauty 2 The Streetz grew from a grassroots effort into a powerful outreach organization supporting unhoused individuals across Skid Row, Los Angeles, and Nevada. Raines brought hygiene, beauty services, food, and compassion to people living on the streets.

A Social Media Presence That Made People Feel Seen

Known for her vibrant hair, warm demeanor, and candid videos, Raines became a recognizable voice on social media. Her nonprofit gained over a million followers on Instagram, and her TikTok account drew more than 5 million followers with videos showing her handing out food, supplies, and words of encouragement.

She often addressed people as "King" or "Queen," using small gestures to affirm their worth. In one video, she removed her own shoes and gave them to a barefoot child. Just two days before her passing, she was seen distributing lunches from her car, greeting every person with her usual warmth.

Personal Tragedy Inspired a Life of Service

Raines was the mother of six children, one of whom died as a toddler. She often said that his passing shaped her commitment to helping others, calling herself a "very broken woman."

During her acceptance speech for CNN's Hero of the Year award in 2021, she said, "It's important you know that broken people are still very much useful."

"I would rather have him back than anything in the world, but I am a mother without a son, and there are a lot of people in the street that [sic] are without a mother. And I feel like it’s a fair exchange — I'm here for them," shared.

Beauty Was Her Tool for Dignity

Raines believed that beauty could restore a sense of self-worth. Through Beauty 2 The Streetz, she and her team offered services, including hair coloring, wigs, grooming, and makeup, as well as food and hygiene kits.

She also created opportunities for the people she served. Many who had once been helped by the organization were later hired, trained, and brought into the team as staff.

"By the time a year or two goes by, they're part of the organization — they have responsibility, they have something to look forward to," shared Crushow Herring, art director of the Sidewalk Project. He described Raines as "sentimental and protective" of her community.

A Voice for the Marginalized

In 2025, Raines was honored with the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Social Media Personality. That same year, she expanded her outreach across California and Nevada in response to the growing homelessness crisis.

Melissa Acedera, founder of Polo's Pantry, recalled working with Raines in the early days and praised her unwavering support for transgender and queer individuals who are often underserved even within unhoused communities.

"It's hard not to think of Shirley when I'm there," she said.

Tributes from Across the Country

Following the news of her death, tributes poured in from supporters and fellow creators. Alexis Nikole Nelson, known online as blackforager, stated, "Ms. Shirley was truly the best of us, love incarnate."

Raines's team has committed to continuing her work. Her mission lives on through the streets she served and the lives she changed.