The activist Shirley Raines, founder of Beauty 2 The Streetz, has passed away
29 january 2026 в 23:13
Shirley Raines, known as «Miss Shirley», - passed away in January 2026 at the age of 58. Her death shocked her loved ones and caused grief across the country. Over the years, she gained a significant following on TikTok due to her work helping the homeless, primarily in the Skid Row area of Los Angeles.
Her nonprofit organization, Beauty 2 The Streetz, announced her untimely death in an Instagram statement on January 28, 2026.
«With deep sorrow and heavy hearts, Beauty 2 The Streetz announces the passing of our beloved CEO and founder, Shirley Raines, whom many knew as Miss Shirley», - the announcement read. «Miss Shirley dedicated her life to serving others and made an invaluable impact on the homeless communities in Los Angeles and Nevada. Through her tireless advocacy, deep compassion, and unwavering dedication, she used her powerful media platform to amplify the voices of those in need and bring dignity, resources, and hope to the most marginalized populations».
The organization added that Shirley’s death «was a devastating loss for the entire Beauty 2 The Streetz team» and promised to continue her legacy.
Here are five facts about Shirley’s life and work.
Shirley was an activist and the founder of her nonprofit organization, Beauty 2 The Streetz, which provides essential items to the homeless in Los Angeles and Las Vegas.
While her altruism resonated with the public, it was her cheerful personality that truly touched hearts. She regularly referred to everyone she helped as «kings» and «queens», - creating a more positive atmosphere for the homeless who encountered her.
«I think it’s important to change the narrative of what Skid Row is, to see the commonalities we have», - Shirley said in a CNN interview in 2022.
Shirley’s popularity on TikTok grew rapidly. Since she began her work addressing homelessness on the West Coast, she amassed nearly 6 million followers.
Although the late social media star dedicated her life to activism, she was first and foremost a mother. She had six children, one of whom passed away. Her two-year-old son Demetrius died from an accidental overdose after gaining access to a family member’s prescription medications in 1990.
While the pain of losing her son led to struggles, she ultimately found a new purpose in her work.
Shirley left behind five living children.
As her social media audience grew, Shirley received several awards for her activism. She won the 2025 NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Social Media Personality and was named CNN Hero of the Year in 2021—but, as Shirley said in 2022, she never sought applause.
«I'm not doing heroics; I’m doing human work», - she explained. «I'm working here on the streets to earn the trust of my community. The world had the opportunity to vote for 10 amazing organizations. And they chose the one that was addressing homelessness… for them, it might mean: ‘Oh my God, people are really paying attention. People really care.'»
At the 2022 People’s Choice Awards, Shirley was one of 17 activists who took the stage alongside Lizzo to accept the «People's Champion» award
Her nonprofit organization, Beauty 2 The Streetz, announced her untimely death in an Instagram statement on January 28, 2026.
«With deep sorrow and heavy hearts, Beauty 2 The Streetz announces the passing of our beloved CEO and founder, Shirley Raines, whom many knew as Miss Shirley», - the announcement read. «Miss Shirley dedicated her life to serving others and made an invaluable impact on the homeless communities in Los Angeles and Nevada. Through her tireless advocacy, deep compassion, and unwavering dedication, she used her powerful media platform to amplify the voices of those in need and bring dignity, resources, and hope to the most marginalized populations».
The organization added that Shirley’s death «was a devastating loss for the entire Beauty 2 The Streetz team» and promised to continue her legacy.
Here are five facts about Shirley’s life and work.
Shirley was an activist and the founder of her nonprofit organization, Beauty 2 The Streetz, which provides essential items to the homeless in Los Angeles and Las Vegas.
While her altruism resonated with the public, it was her cheerful personality that truly touched hearts. She regularly referred to everyone she helped as «kings» and «queens», - creating a more positive atmosphere for the homeless who encountered her.
«I think it’s important to change the narrative of what Skid Row is, to see the commonalities we have», - Shirley said in a CNN interview in 2022.
Shirley’s popularity on TikTok grew rapidly. Since she began her work addressing homelessness on the West Coast, she amassed nearly 6 million followers.
Although the late social media star dedicated her life to activism, she was first and foremost a mother. She had six children, one of whom passed away. Her two-year-old son Demetrius died from an accidental overdose after gaining access to a family member’s prescription medications in 1990.
While the pain of losing her son led to struggles, she ultimately found a new purpose in her work.
Shirley left behind five living children.
As her social media audience grew, Shirley received several awards for her activism. She won the 2025 NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Social Media Personality and was named CNN Hero of the Year in 2021—but, as Shirley said in 2022, she never sought applause.
«I'm not doing heroics; I’m doing human work», - she explained. «I'm working here on the streets to earn the trust of my community. The world had the opportunity to vote for 10 amazing organizations. And they chose the one that was addressing homelessness… for them, it might mean: ‘Oh my God, people are really paying attention. People really care.'»
At the 2022 People’s Choice Awards, Shirley was one of 17 activists who took the stage alongside Lizzo to accept the «People's Champion» award
© Puhova Marina
