Viral activist Shirley Raines was found dead at age 58 following a wellness check at her home.
Raines’ nonprofit Beauty 2 The Streetz confirmed her death in a Wednesday, January 28, statement shared via 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. “Shirley dedicated her life to serving others and made an immeasurable impact on homeless communities throughout Los Angeles and Nevada. Through her tireless advocacy, deep compassion, and unwavering commitment, she used her powerful media platform to amplify the voices of those in need and to bring dignity, resources, and hope to some of the most underserved populations.”
The statement 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. Her legacy will continue to live on through the work she started and the hearts she touched.”
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Beauty 2 The Streetz asked for support for Raines’ loved ones, adding, “We humbly ask that you keep Ms. Shirley’s family, loved ones, and the Beauty 2 The Streetz family in your prayers during this incredibly difficult time. Further information will be shared as it becomes available.”
Raines’ twin sister, Shelia, shared more insight into the events leading up to her death, telling People on Wednesday that Raines’ youngest daughter called her mother several times one day earlier with no response. Raines’ daughter then drove to her home but couldn’t get in.
Raines’ daughter called the police to conduct a wellness check, which is how officials discovered her mother lying “unresponsive” on the side of her bed. There were “no visible signs” to explain what happened.
The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department declined to comment on Raines’ cause of death, which is yet to be determined.
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Raines was a mother of six. Her daughter Danielle Williams issued a statement to People on Wednesday, saying her mother’s “life and her legacy is a testament to the fact that you don’t have to be perfect to do something powerful and meaningful.”
Raines became known online for distributing food, hygiene products and other resources to Skid Row’s homeless community through her Beauty 2 The Streetz nonprofit. She had a combined following of over 6 million on Instagram and TikTok.
Before her death, Raines offered makeovers to women in the community as a way to help change how people viewed homelessness.
“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,” she told People in 2020. “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.”
Raines’ family is not actively seeking donations but has encouraged the public to donate to Beauty 2 The Streetz in her honor.
