Shirley Raines, the compassionate nonprofit founder and CEO who devoted her life to serving people experiencing homelessness on Los Angeles’ Skid Row, has died at the age of 58, her organization confirmed Wednesday.
Raines was the heart and driving force behind Beauty 2 The Streetz, a nonprofit that provided far more than basic aid. Through beauty services, hot meals, showers, clothing, and emotional support, she restored dignity to thousands of people living on the streets of Los Angeles and beyond.
“Ms. Shirley dedicated her life to serving others and made an immeasurable impact on homeless communities throughout Los Angeles and Nevada,” Beauty 2 The Streetz said in a statement. “Through her tireless advocacy, deep compassion, and unwavering commitment, she used her powerful media platform to amplify the voices of those in need and bring hope to some of the most underserved populations.”
For years, Raines could be found on Skid Row every weekend, offering haircuts, makeup, food, and kindness to people often ignored or dismissed by society. Earning trust, she said, was not immediate.
“The reality of Skid Row is that it took a long time to earn that trust,” Raines told ABC7 in a 2019 interview. “I’m asking someone to close their eyes, lay their head back, and be vulnerable. That took years of coming back every single Saturday.”
Her journey into service began after the devastating loss of a child. In the depths of grief, Raines turned outward, choosing to give back to the community. While initially focused on feeding the homeless, she quickly noticed that many women longed for something deeper — a reminder of who they were before life on the streets.
“Of course makeup isn’t going to take them off the streets,” she said. “But it’s a small escape from the terrible reality they’re living in. When they look in the mirror, they see something other than homelessness.”
A mother of six, Raines worked full time while somehow managing to cook meals for 400 to 600 people every week — all from her one-bedroom apartment. Sleep was scarce, but she never complained.
“Monday through Friday, people are told, ‘Get out of the way, you bum,’” she once said. “On Saturday, someone is saying, ‘You’re important. You’re special.’”
Born and raised in Compton, Raines was no stranger to hardship. She spoke openly about her own struggles, including trauma, poverty, and nearly becoming homeless herself. That lived experience shaped her deep connection with the women she served.
“I’m a woman who actually lived this life,” she said. “I buried a child. I went through traumatic relationships. I almost lost everything. But I survived — and I understand.”
In 2021, Raines’ work earned national recognition when she was named CNN Hero of the Year. During her emotional acceptance speech, she thanked her children, including her late son who inspired her mission.
“This hasn’t been easy,” she said, fighting back tears. “I stand before you a very broken woman. I am a mother without a son, and there are so many people on the streets without a mother — and I feel like it’s a fair exchange.”
Details surrounding Raines’ cause of death were not immediately released.
“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,” the nonprofit said. “Further information will be shared as it becomes available.”
