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
‘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.’
