Shirley Raines Death and Obituary – Los Angeles is mourning the loss of a beloved community leader and humanitarian following the death of Shirley Raines, founder and CEO of the nonprofit organization Beauty 2 The Streetz. Raines passed away on January 28, 2026, at the age of 58. Her organization confirmed her passing in an official statement, honoring her extraordinary life dedicated to restoring dignity, confidence, and hope to unhoused individuals in Skid Row and beyond.
At the time of this report, the cause of Shirley Raines’ death has not been publicly disclosed. Nevertheless, tributes have poured in from community members, volunteers, public figures, and thousands of followers across social media, reflecting the immense impact she made through her advocacy and compassion-driven outreach.
Shirley Raines was widely recognized for her hands-on humanitarian work with the homeless population of Los Angeles’ Skid Row. Through Beauty 2 The Streetz, she provided essential services including mobile hair salons, food distribution, hygiene products, clothing, and personal care services. Her unique approach focused not only on meeting basic needs but also on restoring self-worth and personal dignity to individuals often overlooked by society.
Raines gained widespread recognition through social media, particularly TikTok, where she documented her outreach efforts and personal interactions with unhoused individuals. Her heartfelt videos showcased emotional transformations — not just physical makeovers, but renewed confidence and human connection. This digital storytelling helped her nonprofit reach millions, attract donors, and inspire similar outreach programs across the country.
In 2021, Shirley Raines’ tireless efforts earned her national acclaim when she was named CNN Hero of the Year. The award recognized her unwavering dedication to marginalized communities and her innovative use of social media to amplify humanitarian work. Despite the recognition, Raines remained deeply grounded, often emphasizing that her mission was about service, not fame.
Behind her advocacy was a deeply personal motivation. Raines began her outreach journey as a way to cope with the tragic loss of her son, Demetrius. In interviews, she openly shared that helping others who felt “broken” gave her a renewed sense of purpose and healing. Her pain became a catalyst for compassion, transforming personal tragedy into a lifelong mission of love and service.
The legacy Shirley Raines leaves behind is one of kindness, resilience, and unwavering empathy. Her nonprofit, Beauty 2 The Streetz, continues its work, and supporters have vowed to carry forward her vision of serving the underserved with respect and humanity.
As Los Angeles reflects on her passing, Shirley Raines is remembered not only as an advocate and nonprofit leader, but as a beacon of hope for thousands whose lives she touched. Her work reshaped perceptions of homelessness, proving that dignity and compassion can transform lives.
Her impact will endure — in the streets she served, the hearts she healed, and the community she inspired.