Shirley Raines Biography
Shirley Raines (December 29, 1967 – January 27, 2026) was a celebrated American activist, nonprofit leader, and social media figure. She grew up in Compton, California, and turned deep personal tragedy into a lifelong mission of service. After losing her young son in 1990, she later found purpose helping others experiencing homelessness. In 2017, she started visiting Skid Row in Los Angeles to provide meals, hygiene items, clothing, and beauty services to unhoused individuals.
In 2019, Raines formally launched her nonprofit, Beauty 2 The Streetz, to expand her outreach work and uplift communities across California and Nevada. She often called people she helped “King” or “Queen” to restore dignity and respect. Her engaging content on TikTok and Instagram built a following of over five million people.
Shirley earned national recognition for her compassion and impact. In 2021, she was named CNN Hero of the Year for her service to Skid Row’s homeless community. Moreover, in 2025 she received the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Social Media Personality and appeared on TIME100 Creators list for her inspirational influence.
Despite her rising fame, Raines stayed humble and focused on others. She expanded food distribution, hygiene support, and emotional care while building community partnerships. Sadly, she died at age 58 in Henderson, Nevada, in January 2026. Her organization continues to honor her legacy of dignity, respect, and hope for those in need.
Shirley Raines Age | How Old Was Shirley Raines? | Birthday
Shirley Raines was 58 years old at the time of her passing in 2026. She was born on December 29, 1967, in Compton, California. Moreover, her age reflected decades of compassion-driven activism and community service. She dedicated her adult life to supporting unhoused communities through Beauty 2 The Streetz. Additionally, her work on Skid Row gained national recognition and lasting respect.
Shirley Raines Height | How Tall is Shirley Raines?
Shirley Raines stood at approximately 5 feet 6 inches tall. Her height aligned with average stature among women in the United States. Moreover, she appeared confident and composed during outreach work and public appearances. Additionally, her physical presence supported her hands-on activism across Skid Row communities.
Shirley Raines Children | Kids
Shirley Raines was a mother of six children, and her family deeply influenced her life and mission. She openly shared that one of her sons died at age two from accidental poisoning, which later inspired her outreach work with homeless communities. Moreover, she often appeared with her children in early nonprofit coverage, showing strong family involvement in her journey. Although specific names and details of all six children aren’t widely published, she clearly described her role as a devoted mother who balanced family and activism. Her children stood with her through years of feeding, serving, and uplifting others.
Shirley Raines Family | Parents, Twin Sister
Shirley Raines grew up in Compton, California, and her early life shaped her compassionate worldview. She grew up alongside her twin sister, Sheila, who later spoke publicly after Raines’ death in 2026. Moreover, family remained central to her mission and public presence. Although specific details about her parents are not widely published, her upbringing in a close-knit family influenced her values and humanitarian spirit. Additionally, her extended family, including her children and grandchildren, supported her work with Beauty 2 The Streetz, strengthening her legacy of love and service.
Shirley Raines Died | Death | Cause of Death
What happened to Shirley Raines? | How did Shirley Raines die?
Shirley Raines died on January 27, 2026, at age 58 in Henderson, Nevada. Her family confirmed her passing after health struggles in the months before her death. Moreover, she battled complications from a long illness, which her loved ones described as physically weakening over time. Although details about the exact medical cause were not fully disclosed, reports noted that her condition had worsened in late 2025. Her community, followers, and family mourned her loss deeply. Additionally, friends held tributes celebrating her decades of service with Beauty 2 The Streetz, honoring her compassion and legacy. Her funeral included family, supporters, and community members whose lives she touched.
Shirley Raines & Beauty 2 The Streetz | Mission and Impact
Beauty 2 The Streetz was the nonprofit founded by Shirley Raines to serve unhoused communities in Los Angeles and beyond. The organization began in 2017 when she brought food, hygiene kits, and beauty services to people living on Skid Row, one of the largest homeless communities in the U.S.
Moreover, Beauty 2 The Streetz focused on restoring dignity and self-worth by offering hair makeovers, makeup, showers, and meals to those in need. Raines often greeted people with respect, calling them “King” or “Queen,” to shift the narrative around homelessness.
The nonprofit grew its reach through social media, gaining millions of followers on TikTok and Instagram as Raines shared her outreach efforts. Additionally, Beauty 2 The Streetz expanded services to areas like San Diego and Las Vegas, partnering with volunteers and donors to increase support.
Furthermore, the organization helped during the COVID-19 pandemic by providing food, PPE, and education. Beauty 2 The Streetz received national recognition, earning Raines honors like CNN Hero of the Year and the NAACP Image Award.
Overall, Beauty 2 The Streetz transformed local outreach into a powerful movement, emphasizing compassion, respect, and dignity for people experiencing homelessness.
Shirley Raines Awards
Shirley Raines earned significant public recognition for her humanitarian work through Beauty 2 The Streetz. In 2021, she was named CNN Hero of the Year, an honor celebrating her service to homeless communities, and she received a $100,000 grant to expand her outreach. Moreover, in 2025 she won the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Social Media Personality for her impactful advocacy online. Additionally, Raines appeared on the TIME100 Creators list, reflecting her influence as a social media activist.
Shirley Raines Net Worth 2026
Shirley Raines did not have a publicly confirmed personal net worth, as she focused on service over wealth. Instead, her influence came through Beauty 2 The Streetz, the nonprofit she founded. Moreover, online estimates suggest she earned moderate income from social media partnerships tied to outreach content. Additionally, nonprofit filings showed over $1 million in annual revenue and strong net assets, reflecting organizational scale, not personal wealth. Consequently, her financial story centers on impact, transparency, and community support rather than celebrity earnings.