Police suggest that Shirley Raines, the activist and founder of Beauty 2 The Streetz, may have died from a single white pill found next to her bed when officers discovered her unresponsive at her Henderson, Nevada, home on Jan. 27. She was 58.
The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) conducted a welfare check after Raines’ daughter, Rashawn Williams, reported not being able to reach her mother. Officers found Raines on the floor next to her bed after forcing entry. A spokesperson for the Clark County Coroner’s Office confirmed her death.
According to the police report obtained by PEOPLE, there was a finished plate of food on her bed, and a single white pill of an unspecified medication by her pillow. Authorities noted that Raines was reported to be taking prescription medication, though the name of the medicine was redacted.
In a 2020 interview, Raines said she took 20 milligrams of Prozac daily for panic disorder, though it is unclear whether she was still taking the medication at the time of her death.
Her son was the last person to communicate with her on January 23. Her twin sister, Shelia, described her daughter waiting outside the home for hours, even throwing rocks at the window in a desperate attempt to get a response. Police said Raines had no visible signs of trauma.
Legacy as a Homeless Advocate
Raines founded Beauty 2 The Streetz, a nonprofit serving homeless populations in Skid Row, Los Angeles, providing food, personal care items, and makeovers to transform perceptions of homelessness. The organization has a social media following of over 6 million, documenting her outreach work and advocacy.
“Just because they’re without a home does not mean they’re without love,” Raines said in a 2020 interview.
Her work highlighted both direct aid and community awareness, helping vulnerable populations receive dignity and visibility.
Community Reaction
The nonprofit honored Raines’ life in a statement, saying, “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.”
Her death has prompted an outpouring of donations and support from the community. Her daughter, Danielle Williams, said, “Her life and her legacy is a testament to the fact that you don’t have to be perfect to do something powerful and meaningful.”
While the cause of death has not yet been officially determined, the police finding of a single white pill next to Raines’ bed suggests the possibility of an accidental overdose or a medication-related incident. Authorities and the Coroner’s Office are investigating the circumstances.
Shirley Raines is remembered for her tireless advocacy for homeless populations and her commitment to reshaping the narrative around poverty, leaving a lasting impact on her community and beyond.
