Shirley Raines, a beloved figure in the fight against homelessness, has passed away at 58. Known as “Ms. Shirley” on TikTok, she had over 5 million followers and was a shining light for many on the streets of Los Angeles. Her organization, Beauty 2 The Streetz, shared the sad news.
Through her work, Raines made a real difference. She provided food, beauty services, and hygiene supplies to those in California and Nevada’s homeless communities. Her efforts highlighted the humanity of those often overlooked. As Beauty 2 The Streetz noted, she used her platform to amplify the voices of the underserved.
While the cause of her death hasn’t been made public, her legacy certainly lives on. Raines, who experienced deep personal loss, including the death of her son, turned her grief into compassion. In a previous interview, she shared that helping others was a way to cope with her pain, saying, “I would rather have him back than anything in the world… but I’m here for them.”
She started her outreach in 2017. Regularly, she interacted warmly with those in need, treating them with respect and affection. Just days before her passing, she shared a video of herself handing lunches to people waiting outside her car. Her joy was infectious, as she celebrated the small victories of others, like helping a man find housing.
The issue of homelessness is immense in Los Angeles, where around 72,000 people are homeless on any given night, according to a 2025 survey. Areas like Skid Row are especially hard-hit. People often live in makeshift shelters or tents, struggling for basic resources.
Her work resonated deeply within the community. Crushow Herring, an art director at the Sidewalk Project, emphasized how Raines made people feel seen and valued. He remarked on the shock felt by many upon learning of her passing, highlighting how she transformed lives by boosting self-esteem through care and kindness.
Raines also involved homeless individuals in her initiatives. Many found purpose and responsibility working alongside her, which made a lasting impact. Melissa Acedera, founder of Polo’s Pantry, recalled their early days working together, noting Raines’ thoughtfulness for everyone, especially marginalized groups.
In recognition of her contributions, Raines was awarded the NAACP Image Award for outstanding social media personality in 2025. Fellow creators mourned her loss online, with many expressing how she embodied love and caring.
In her brief time, Raines showed what it means to help others, leaving behind a community that feels her absence deeply. Her story reminds us of the power of compassion and the importance of addressing homelessness with dignity and respect. For more on homelessness in Los Angeles, check out this report.
