Shirley Raines dedicated her life to restoring dignity to those living on the streets. Now, her community is mourning her sudden and unexpected lossirley Raines, the bold and compassionate founder of Beauty 2 The Streetz and CNN’s 2021 Hero of the Year, has passed away at the age of 58. She was discovered unresponsive beside her bed during a wellness check at her home in Nevada on Tuesday, January 27.Her twin sister, Sheila, confirmed the heartbreaking news and said Raines had been in good health, was not taking medication, and that the family does not suspect foul play. An official determination has not yet been released. Autopsy results are pending.
On January 28, Raines’s nonprofit announced her passing in a statement shared on Instagram.”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,” the post read.It continued, “This loss is devastating to the entire Beauty 2 The Streetz team, the communities we serve, and the countless individuals whose lives were forever changed by Ms. Shirley’s love, generosity, and selfless service.”Founded in 2017, Beauty 2 The Streetz grew from a grassroots effort into a powerful outreach organization supporting unhoused individuals across Skid Row, Los Angeles, and Nevada. Raines brought hygiene, beauty services, food, and compassion to people living on the streets.