Shirley Raines, Founder of Beauty 2 The Streetz, Dies at 58
Shirley Raines, the visionary founder of the nonprofit organization Beauty 2 The Streetz, has died at the age of 58. Raines passed away in her sleep in Las Vegas.
Her organization, widely recognized for providing beauty services, food, and showers to homeless communities in Los Angeles and Nevada, announced her passing on Wednesday. The cause of death has not been publicly released. Raines was honored as a CNN Hero of the Year in 2021 for her impactful work.
The Origins of Beauty 2 The Streetz
Born in Compton, California, on December 29, 1967, Shirley Raines drew on personal experiences with hardship, which she stated helped her connect with the women she served. Her journey in aiding the homeless began after she experienced the profound loss of a child. Initially, her efforts focused on providing food, but she soon observed a significant interest in hair and makeup among the women she met.
In 2017, Raines connected with Yuri Williams, founder of A Future Superhero and Friends, another nonprofit serving vulnerable populations. They bonded over shared family losses. Williams subsequently introduced Raines to Paul Avila, founder of Pauly’s Project. Together, they volunteered on Los Angeles's Skid Row, where Raines began offering beauty services. It was Williams who suggested the now-iconic name, "Beauty 2 The Streetz." Avila himself passed away the previous year.
Raines stated that earning trust on Skid Row required consistent effort over years of Saturday visits.
She often described makeup as more than just an aesthetic service; it was a temporary escape from their difficult circumstances, enabling individuals to see themselves beyond their homelessness. Catherine Butler, Avila’s sister, further emphasized Raines's mission, noting her goal was to restore "strength... and dignity" to women through her compassionate work.
Services Provided
Beauty 2 The Streetz offered a comprehensive range of services to individuals experiencing homelessness, primarily focusing on L.A.'s Skid Row and various locations in Nevada. These vital services included:
- Hair coloring and makeup application
- Mobile showers
- Food distribution
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the organization expanded its efforts, distributing essential items such as face masks, hand sanitizer, and vitamins. In 2020, Raines articulated her goal: for people to "see a friendly face" and "know they’re not forgotten."
Despite maintaining a full-time job and raising six children, Raines regularly cooked for hundreds of people from her one-bedroom apartment. She consistently highlighted the importance of providing a sense of value to individuals who frequently faced disrespect and marginalization.
Personal Background and Motivation
Shirley Raines was a dedicated mother of six children and a loving grandmother to four grandchildren, residing in Long Beach, California. Her extensive charitable work was deeply influenced by personal loss, particularly the death of her son.
During her powerful acceptance speech as CNN Hero of the Year in 2021, Raines openly acknowledged her children and her late son, sharing a profound sentiment:
"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."
Recognition and Legacy
In 2021, Shirley Raines was deservingly recognized as CNN Hero of the Year for her extraordinary contributions to the homeless community, bringing both practical support and profound dignity.
Continuity of the Organization
Rashawn Williams, Raines's daughter, who volunteered alongside her mother, has confirmed that Beauty 2 The Streetz will continue its essential operations. The organization's board is currently scheduled to determine the next leader.
Williams expressed confidence in the future, stating that the initiative "will carry this on for generations" and affirming that the community helped Raines "find herself."