TikTok humanitarian Shirley Raines, known for Skid Row outreach, dies at 58

Shirley Raines, a social media creator and nonprofit founder who dedicated her life to supporting people experiencing homelessness, has died at the age of 58. Her organization, Beauty 2 The Streetz, confirmed her death on Wednesday.

Raines became widely known for hands-on outreach in downtown Los Angeles, particularly on Skid Row. Through social media, she documented daily efforts to provide food, hygiene supplies, and personal care. Tributes quickly followed from advocates, volunteers, and fellow creators who said her work changed how homelessness was seen online.

Beauty 2 The Streetz described Raines’ impact as “immeasurable.” The organization said she consistently used her platform to elevate voices often ignored in public debate. It did not release a cause of death and said more information would follow when available.

A familiar presence on Skid Row

To millions of followers, she was “Ms. Shirley.” To the people she served, she was a steady and recognizable presence. Raines filmed many of her videos on sidewalks or from inside her car while distributing meals. She greeted people by name and spoke to them with warmth and respect.

She often addressed individuals as “King” or “Queen,” a habit supporters said reflected her belief in restoring dignity. Her videos focused on simple interactions rather than dramatic storytelling. Over time, that approach built a global audience and steady support for her work.

Raines began helping homeless communities in 2017. What started as informal outreach grew into Beauty 2 The Streetz, a nonprofit that blended direct aid with public visibility. Her TikTok following later exceeded five million, giving the organization reach far beyond Los Angeles.

Personal loss shaped her mission

Raines was a mother of six and spoke openly about the loss of one of her sons, who died as a toddler. She described the experience as deeply painful and life-altering. The loss pushed her toward helping people who lacked family support.

When CNN named her Hero of the Year in 2021, she spoke about grief and resilience. She told the audience that personal brokenness did not eliminate usefulness. That message became central to how she explained her work and her motivation.

Rather than separating her story from those she served, Raines often connected the two. She said she saw her outreach as a way to show care where it was missing. Supporters said that honesty helped people trust her intentions.

Last videos showed daily outreach

Earlier this week, Raines posted a video that reflected her routine work. Sitting in her car, she handed lunches through the passenger-side window to a line of people waiting outside. Her voice remained upbeat and familiar.

In the video, one man told her he had moved into an apartment. Raines reacted with excitement and encouragement. Supporters later shared the clip as an example of her consistent presence until the end.

Another video posted earlier this month showed her giving her own shoes to a barefoot child waiting for food. She placed the shoes on the child’s feet to protect them from cold pavement. Viewers widely shared the moment as typical of her approach.

Work amid a growing homelessness crisis

Raines’ death comes as Los Angeles continues to face a severe homelessness crisis. Skid Row remains one of the largest concentrations of unhoused people in the United States. Tents and makeshift shelters line entire blocks near government buildings.

Encampments have also spread to other parts of the county. A 2025 survey estimated that about 72,000 people experienced homelessness on any given night in Los Angeles County. Advocates say public fatigue and stigma often complicate policy responses.

Raines focused less on political debate and more on daily care. Supporters said her work filled immediate gaps while keeping attention on long-term failures.

Remembered for dignity-centered work

Crushow Herring, art director of the Sidewalk Project in Los Angeles, said Raines strongly protected the community she served. He said people across the city reacted with shock to news of her death.

According to Herring, Raines understood the emotional toll of homelessness. She used grooming, clean clothing, and conversation to help people regain confidence. He said she believed dignity came before recovery.

Raines also avoided one-way charity. She often invited people living on the street to help distribute food or supplies. Over time, some took on formal roles within the organization.

“They had responsibility,” Herring said. “They had something to look forward to.”

Lasting influence beyond social media

Melissa Acedera, founder of Polo’s Pantry, worked with Raines during the early days of Beauty 2 The Streetz. She said Raines remembered birthdays and checked on people who disappeared from familiar locations.

Acedera also said Raines made special efforts to reach transgender and queer people who often stood apart on Skid Row. She sought them out and ensured they received care.

In 2025, Raines received the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Social Media Personality. Fellow creators shared tributes following her death, praising her empathy and consistency.

Alexis Nikole Nelson, known online as “blackforager,” described Raines as “love incarnate.”

Beauty 2 The Streetz said it plans to continue its work. For many in the communities Raines served, her presence offered something rare — reliability, respect, and recognition.