HENDERSON, Nev. — Shirley Raines, the founder and CEO of the nonprofit Beauty 2 The Streetz and widely known as “Ms. Shirley,” has died at the age of 58. Her death has sent shockwaves through communities across the country that followed her work and were touched by her compassion. Raines was found dead Tuesday night inside her Henderson, Nevada, home during a wellness check, according to her family.
Raines’ twin sister, Sheila, confirmed the news and said Shirley was discovered unresponsive next to her bed. Sheila told TMZ that her sister had been healthy and was not taking any medication. She said the family is in complete shock over the sudden loss. While an autopsy is pending, Sheila said no foul play is suspected at this time.
Beauty 2 The Streetz, the nonprofit Raines founded, announced her death in a heartfelt statement shared on Instagram Wednesday. The organization, which has more than 1.1 million followers on social media, described her passing as a devastating loss. “It is with profound sorrow and heavy hearts that Beauty 2 The Streetz announces the passing of our beloved CEO and founder, Shirley Raines,” the statement read, adding that she was affectionately known to many as Ms. Shirley.
The organization highlighted Raines’ lifelong dedication to serving others, especially people experiencing homelessness in Los Angeles and Nevada. Through Beauty 2 The Streetz, she provided beauty and hygiene services to those living on Skid Row in downtown Los Angeles. Her work focused on restoring dignity, offering hope, and making people feel seen. The nonprofit said her compassion, advocacy, and commitment changed countless lives.
Just days before her death, Raines was seen doing what she was best known for—handing out supplies to people in need directly from her car. Those moments, often shared online, helped her build a powerful platform that brought national attention to homelessness. Her authenticity and kindness resonated deeply with viewers, turning her into a viral humanitarian and respected voice for the underserved.
Beyond her nonprofit work, Raines received national recognition for her impact. She was named CNN’s 2021 Hero of the Year and later won the 2025 NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Social Media Personality. As tributes continue to pour in, supporters say Ms. Shirley’s legacy will live on through the people she helped and the movement she built—one rooted in love, dignity, and service.
