Shirley Raines, the viral activist whose compassion and relentless advocacy brought dignity, food, and hope to thousands of unhoused people on Los Angeles’ Skid Row and beyond, has died at the age of 58.
Raines’ organization, Beauty 2 The Streetz, confirmed her death in a heartfelt statement shared on Instagram, announcing the passing of its founder and CEO, affectionately known to many as “Ms. Shirley.”
“It is with profound sorrow and heavy hearts that Beauty 2 The Streetz announces the passing of our beloved CEO and founder, Shirley Raines,” the statement read. “Ms. Shirley dedicated her life to serving others and made an immeasurable impact on homeless communities throughout Los Angeles and Nevada.”
The organization praised Raines for her tireless advocacy, deep compassion, and unwavering commitment to society’s most marginalized.
Through her powerful social media presence, she amplified the voices of the unhoused, mobilized resources, and restored a sense of dignity to people often ignored or dehumanized.
“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,” the statement continued. “Her legacy will continue to live on through the work she started and the hearts she touched.”
According to People, Raines died in Las Vegas. Her sister told TMZ that she was found at her Nevada residence following a wellness check. Further details surrounding her death have not yet been made public.
Raines rose to national and global prominence through videos documenting her outreach on Skid Row, where she distributed meals, hygiene kits, clothing, and words of affirmation to people experiencing homelessness. Her work resonated widely, earning her more than 6.6 million followers across TikTok and Instagram and transforming her into one of the most influential grassroots activists of the social media era.
Her impact was formally recognized in 2021, when she was named CNN Hero of the Year, and again in 2025, when she was included in the Time100 Creators list. That same year, the NAACP honored her as Outstanding Social Media Personality at its annual Image Awards, citing her ability to turn digital influence into tangible change.
Beyond accolades, those closest to Raines say her greatest legacy lies in the lives she touched — the people she fed, listened to, prayed with, and reminded that they mattered.
Beauty 2 The Streetz has asked the public to keep Raines’ family, loved ones, and the broader community she served in their thoughts and prayers, noting that additional information will be shared in the coming days.
As tributes continue to pour in, Shirley Raines is being remembered not just as an influencer or activist, but as a woman who chose compassion as a daily practice — and made it contagious.
