Nationwide — Shirley Raines, also known as Ms. Shirley, founder of Beauty 2 The Streetz, who cared for L.A.’s homeless, has died at 58. She spent decades providing food, showers, and beauty services to Skid Row residents, leaving a lasting mark on the community. She had more than 5 million followers on TikTok.
Raines started her nonprofit after losing a child, determined to give back to her community. She discovered that many women on Skid Row found comfort in hair and makeup, offering a small escape from the hardships of daily life.
Every Saturday, she transformed her one-bedroom apartment into a hub of care, cooking meals for 400 to 600 people and providing beauty services. Despite working full-time and raising six children, she never missed a week, slowly earning the trust of those she served through her consistent presence.
Originally from Compton, Raines had faced her own struggles, surviving near-homelessness, traumatic relationships, and the loss of a child. Her personal experiences shaped her empathy, allowing her to connect deeply with the people she helped. “I’m able to say, ‘I get it. I understand. But you’ve got to just get through it,'” she once said.
Her work gained national attention when she was named CNN Hero of the Year in 2021. She credited her children, including her late son, for inspiring her mission. Even while grieving, she continued to bring hope and care to some of the city’s most underserved residents.
Beauty 2 The Streetz confirmed Raines’ passing but did not disclose the cause of death, according to ABC7. The organization asked supporters to keep her family and the nonprofit community in their thoughts as they grieve and plan next steps.