Shirley Raines, known as "Ms. Shirley," was the CEO of the nonprofit organization Beauty 2 the Streetz, which served the homeless population in Los Angeles's Skid Row, as well as homeless people in San Diego and Nevada was found dead in her home Tuesday. She passed away at the age of 58.
According to TMZ, Ms. Shirley's twin sister, Sheila, reported that she was found unresponsive next to her bed during a wellness check at her home in Nevada on Tuesday night. Sheila stated that Shirley had been healthy and was not taking any medication.
Beauty 2 The Streetz announced Ms. Sheila's passing via Instagram, stating, "It is with profound sorrow and heavy hearts that Beauty 2 The Streetz announces the passing of our beloved CEO and founder, Shirley Raines, affectionately known to so many as Ms. Shirley. The statement continued: "Ms. Shirley dedicated her life to serving others and made an immeasurable impact on homeless communities throughout Los Angeles and Nevada." Through her tireless advocacy, deep compassion, and unwavering commitment, 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."
In 2021, CNN recognized the CEO as Hero of the Year for her dedication to serving homeless populations, primarily through makeover services, food assistance, and hygiene support. In 2025, she received a NAACP Image Award. As her organization's popularity grew, her social media following surpassed 1.1 million followers.
Her online mission statement reveals that the Compton native's desire to help others is rooted in her own challenging life experiences, which included homelessness and the loss of a child. She believes that everyone, regardless of their circumstances, deserves to feel valued. Her mission is to bring beauty, support, and hope to those often overlooked by society. Through her unwavering commitment, she showcases the power of offering non-judgmental support to encourage and restore dignity.
A clip of Shirley appeared on Entertainment Tonight, where she stated, "What I can do is feed them, do their hair, give them some love, and do their makeup." Among the celebrities who donated products to Ms. Shirley's cause is Rihanna. After Rihanna's Fenty makeup brand learned about Beauty 2 The Streetz, she reached out to the organization to donate beauty products. Singer Lizzo also connected with Ms. Shirley, and described her as "rare," "special," and someone who "deserves to be protected."
She vowed never to judge the homeless populations she serves, "they're lost and out here, and nobody's caring for them. That's why I will never judge them, I will always understand them, cause I was them, I am them."
Currently, there is no official cause of death listed. However, a video has emerged in which Ms. Shirley shares her unsettling experience with social media: "I went to sleep Saturday night, I woke up Tuesday, in my house scared, bruising all on my arms as if somebody had grabbed me. My memory is completely erased, I still can't remember."
This story will be updated.
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