An influencer known for her volunteer work on Skid Row in Los Angeles has died at 58.
Ms Shirley Raines, who was the CEO and co-founder of Beauty 2 The Steetz, was found dead at her home in Henderson, Nevada, her twin sister told TMZ.
It is not yet known how she died and the publication reports that no foul play is suspected.
Raines’s death was announced in a statement shared by her non-profit organization, in which she was praised for her tireless advocacy.
‘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,’ it read.
‘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.’
Raines founded Beauty 2 The Streetz, a non-profit that provides hair, makeup, hygiene, and food to those in need in Skid Row, in 2019.
Beauty 2 The Steetz CEO and co-founder Shirley Raines has died aged 58
The activist’s twin sister said she had been found dead at her home in Henderson, Nevada
The activist struggled herself with financial insecurity, grief and loss after the death of her two-year-old son Demetrius in 1990.
Raines credited self-care and beauty for helping her through her grief.
In 2021, Raines was presented with the CNN Hero of the Year award by Anderson Cooper and Kelly Ripa for her charity endeavors.
‘This surely hasn’t been easy. I stand before you a very broken woman,’ she said as she collected the accolade.
‘I am a mother without a son and there are a lot of people in the streets without a mother – and I feel like it’s a fair exchange.’
Raines grew a huge social media following and frequently documented the donations she made to her community.
Just two days before her death, she uploaded a video to Instagram in which she handed out beef hot dogs to those in need.
Tributes have been pouring in for Raines with many noting just how many lives she touched.
Raines had amassed over one million followers on Instagram where she documented her charity work
Tributes have flooded in for the late influencer with many noting her legacy will live on
Lizzo was reduced to floods of tears as she spoke to fans on her Insta Stories, hailing Raines as an ‘incredible woman’ and a ‘leader in her community.’
The singer recalled: ‘I shared the stage with her at the People’s Choice Awards. When they gave me the People’s Champ Award, she was right by my side.’
Lizzo noted she and Raines frequently collaborated on charitable projects, as part of a personal and professional bond that began when the Truth Hurts hitmaker began sending Raines clothes for the homeless on Skid Row.
‘I just had so many clothes and I saw that she was going to Skid Row and she was going to homeless communities and she was beautifying them, helping them feel seen, helping them feel beautiful, giving them makeovers, haircuts clothes,’ she said.
‘And she used to joke like: “Girl, everybody be in your clothes, they’re like: ‘I got on Lizzo’s coat!'” the Good as Hell singer recalled.
At one point, Lizzo became so emotional she could barely continue, weeping as she remembered that ‘when the public was turning its back on me, she….when the public was turning its back on me she never did.’
She appeared to be referring to the 2023 scandal in which three former backup dancers sued her accusing her of misconduct including sexual harassment, which she has firmly denied.
When Lizzo was on the outs, Raines would tell her to ‘Stay encouraged,’ Lizzo said in her social media video memorializing the activist.
Lizzo was reduced to floods of tears as she spoke to fans on her Insta Stories, hailing Raines as an ‘incredible woman’ and a ‘leader in her community’
Lizzo remembered that ‘when the public was turning its back on me, she….when the public was turning its back on me she never did’
‘She would always send me messages of love and she never, ever, ever asked for anything in return. People like her are rare, special. They deserve to be protected and honored and I’m so grateful I was able to give her her flowers while she was here.’
Eva Mendes also paid homage to Raines, whom she called a ‘real Queen,’ adding: ‘A mother, grandmother, pioneer, visionary, activist-and so much more-she dedicated her life to serving others through her organization @beauty2thestreetz
Mendes described herself as ‘shattered by the news’ of Raines’ death, explaining: ‘I was lucky enough to call Shirley a friend. Sending so much love to her family and community at this time. I love you Shirley. Thank you Ms. Shirley.’
SZA reacted to the news by exclaiming: ‘I CANNOT BELIEVE THIS !! I CANNOT BELIIIIIEEVEEE THISSSS!!!!!!! GOD BLESS MISS SHIRLEY !!! We love you !! THANK YOU !!!’
‘I can’t even understand this,’ one wrote on Instagram. ‘This is extremely sad and upsetting.
‘Such a beautiful person doing beautiful work. You helped so many people and included us in making a difference. This is truly a sad day.’
Another said: ‘What in the world?!! We lost an amazing woman. Your legacy will live on Ms Shirley.’
‘This is so sad,’ added a third. ‘Ms Shirley was an angel on earth and will definitely be missed. Sending hugs and prayers to her friends and family and the community she loved serving.’
