Image Credit: Variety via Getty Images
Shirley Raines, recognized as “Ms. Shirley,” passed away in January 2026, at the age of 58. Her passing sent shockwaves through her close associates and saddened people throughout the country. Over the years, she cultivated a sizable TikTok presence due to her efforts in assisting and supporting unhoused individuals, especially in the Skid Row area of Los Angeles.
Her charitable organization, Beauty 2 The Streetz, shared the announcement concerning her unexpected passing via an Instagram post on January 28, 2026.
“It is with deep sorrow and weighed down hearts that Beauty 2 The Streetz announces the departure of our cherished CEO and founder, Shirley Raines, widely known as Ms. Shirley,” the announcement conveyed. “Ms. Shirley devoted her existence to aiding others and created a significant effect on unhoused communities spanning Los Angeles and Nevada. Through her unwavering advocacy, genuine empathy, and steadfast dedication, she utilized her influential media presence to elevate the voices of those in need and to offer dignity, resources, and optimism to some of the most underprivileged communities.”
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The group further expressed that Shirley’s passing was “heartbreaking for the entire Beauty 2 The Streetz team” and committed to continuing her work.
Here are five details to understand regarding Shirley’s life and dedication.
Shirley Raines Was a Founder of a Nonprofit
Shirley served as both an activist and the originator of her nonprofit, Beauty 2 The Streetz, which gives essential items to unhoused persons in L.A. and Las Vegas.
Although her selflessness resonated with many, it was Shirley’s lighthearted attitude that truly had an impact. She regularly addressed those she assisted as “kings” and “queens,” establishing a more inspiring atmosphere for the unhoused people she encountered.
“I believe altering how people perceive Skid Row, to recognize our commonalities, is vital,” Shirley communicated to CNN in 2022.
Shirley Raines Also Gained Recognition on TikTok
Shirley’s fame increased rapidly on TikTok. From the moment she started her work addressing the West Coast’s homelessness problems, she developed a following of nearly 6 million.
Shirley Raines Was a Mother to Half a Dozen Children
Even though the late social media personality devoted herself to activism, being a mother remained her foremost priority. She was a parent to six children, among whom one had passed away. Shirley’s young son, Demetrius, who was just 2 years of age, tragically died from an accidental overdose after consuming a relative’s prescribed drugs in 1990.
While the sorrow stemming from her son’s passing resulted in difficulties, she ultimately discovered a renewed sense of purpose in her profession.
Shirley is survived by her five remaining children.
Shirley Raines Received Numerous Recognitions
As her following on social media grew, Shirley received several awards for her activism. She was presented with the 2025 NAACP Image Award for Notable Social Media Personality and was designated as a CNN Hero of the Year in 2021 — but Shirley stated in 2022, in agreement with CNN, that she never strived for acclaim.
“I don’t partake in heroic acts; I engage in humanitarian actions,” she conveyed. “I operate in the streets to secure the confidence of my community. The world had the opportunity to cast ballots for 10 incredible organizations. And they opted for one addressing homelessness … to them, it might indicate, ‘Wow. People are genuinely paying attention. People are truly concerned.”
Shirley Raines Shared the Stage With Lizzo at the 2022 People’s Choice Awards
During the 2022 People’s Choice Awards event, Shirley stood together with Lizzo and 16 other activists on stage to accept The People’s Champion award.