Social Media Humanitarian Shirley Raines Dies at 58 After Years of Service to Homeless Communities

28 January 2026

Creator: Irfan Khan/ Credit: Los Angeles Times

Shirley Raines, widely known as Ms. Shirley on TikTok and Instagram and celebrated for her compassionate work with people experiencing homelessness in Los Angeles and beyond, died at 58 on January 27, 2026. Her nonprofit, Beauty 2 The Streetz, announced her passing with deep sorrow, saying that her loss was devastating not just to her team but to the countless individuals whose lives she touched through generosity, empathy and tireless advocacy. Raines was a towering figure in the nexus of social media activism and grassroots humanitarian work, turning personal tragedy into a life of purpose that inspired millions around the world.

Born on December 29, 1967, in Compton, California, Raines’ journey toward advocacy was shaped by profound personal loss and resilience. In her early twenties she endured the heart-wrenching death of her two-year-old son, an event that left her grief-stricken but also determined to find meaning in suffering. That pursuit of purpose led her initially to volunteer with church groups and eventually to serve people living on the streets of Los Angeles’ Skid Row a neighborhood known for its extensive homelessness crisis and sprawling encampments where tens of thousands struggle with poverty, mental illness and isolation.

It was on Skid Row that Raines first began providing food, clothing, hygiene supplies and even beauty services, using makeup and hair care not just as acts of kindness but as tools for restoring dignity. She would greet people with warm titles like “King” and “Queen,” insisting that respect and self-worth were as essential as nourishment. Raines’ approach was different from many traditional outreach efforts: she offered care with flamboyant style, surrounded by bright colors, bold makeup and a personal flair that reflected her own journey of healing and self-expression.

As Raines documented her work on social media, her message reached far beyond the streets she walked. Her TikTok account grew to more than five million followers who tuned in not just to see meals being handed out, but to witness moments of affection, respect and human connection often missing in mainstream depictions of unhoused people. Through her videos she amplified voices that might otherwise go unheard, and she made visible the widespread struggles faced by those living without stable housing. Her presence became a fixture on Skid Row and in homeless communities as she expanded her efforts to include Los Angeles, San Diego, Las Vegas and other areas where need was great.

In 2017 she formalized her mission by founding Beauty 2 The Streetz, a nonprofit organization that continued her vision of combining material support with emotional encouragement. Under her leadership the group provided meals, hygiene kits, clothes, blankets, haircuts, beauty makeovers and other care tailored to affirm the worth of people who had often been dismissed by society. Raines’ work expanded during the COVID-19 pandemic to provide testing, vaccinations and protective equipment, demonstrating her ability to adapt her outreach to evolving needs.

Her efforts also earned public recognition. In 2021 she was named CNN Hero of the Year, winning a grant that furthered her ability to deliver meals and support to those experiencing homelessness. More recently she was honoured with a NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Social Media Personality in 2025, a testament to both her impact on the communities she served and her influence as a creator who used her platform for social good. Celebrities and fellow activists expressed sorrow over her passing, with many highlighting her warmth, humor and relentless commitment to tackling one of America’s most persistent social challenges.

The circumstances around Raines’ death have drawn further attention. According to family and a police welfare check, she was found unresponsive in her Henderson, Nevada, home by officers responding to a welfare request from her daughter. Beside her bed was a white pill, and while the Clark County Coroner’s Office has not yet officially determined a cause of death, family members indicated investigators are considering natural causes. Raines’ last known communication was with her son days earlier, and the organization shared that more information would be released once available.

In the wake of her passing, tributes have flowed from communities she served and from those who admired her work. TikTok creator Keith Lee, who collaborated with Raines on outreach efforts, called her a true friend whose spirit was defined by selflessness. Musician Lizzo, who had met Raines at awards events supporting advocacy work, urged others to carry forward Raines’ legacy of compassion and human dignity, emphasising that the world needed her example of caring for marginalized people. Fans and followers echoed those sentiments online, describing her as love incarnate and a model of authentic kindness.

For many, Raines’ life story was more than a series of viral videos. It was a portrait of someone who took her own heartbreak and channelled it into transformative service. Her presence among the homeless was not just about tangible aid but about restoring visibility, dignity and self-worth to people who society often overlooked. Whether she was handing out meals, sharing a laugh, offering a makeover or simply greeting someone by name, her work consistently reminded viewers that compassion can flourish in even the most overlooked places.

Her impact extended into discussions about homelessness and social care, shining a light on the challenges faced by those without stable housing and the importance of approaching these issues with humanity rather than stigma. Through her organization and her storytelling, Raines helped change perceptions and encouraged others to consider how respect and support can be offered to people in need in ways that affirm their dignity.

As Beauty 2 The Streetz and her family navigate the difficult work of honoring her legacy, plans for memorials and continued outreach efforts aim to reflect the spirit she embodied. Many of her supporters have contributed to the nonprofit in the wake of her death, turning their grief into renewed commitment to the mission she championed. Raines’ passing may have left a void in the world of social media advocacy and on the streets she regularly walked, but her influence in hearts, minds and communities continues to echo as a powerful testament to the lasting change one person can help create.