Community Mourns Skid Row Advocate Shirley Raines; Family Awaits Official Cause of Death
HENDERSON, Nev. — The sudden death of Shirley Raines, the 58-year-old founder of the homeless outreach nonprofit Beauty 2 The Streetz, has left a void in the Los Angeles Skid Row community and among her millions of online followers. Raines was found unresponsive in her Henderson home on January 27 after a welfare check was requested by her daughter.
While the Clark County Coroner’s Office has yet to release an official cause and manner of death, Raines’s daughter, Danielle Williams, provided exclusive context to PEOPLE. She indicated that investigators are currently "leaning toward natural causes." According to a Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department report, a single unidentified pill was found near Raines, which Danielle believes was likely her mother’s prescribed antidepressant, Prozac. "She was super public about her medication," Williams noted, adding she would be "absolutely shocked" if it were anything else.
Raines’s activism gained national attention through her direct, hands-on work providing food, hygiene products, and beauty makeovers to individuals experiencing homelessness in Skid Row. Her organization, Beauty 2 The Streetz, amassed a combined following of over six million on Instagram and TikTok, using the platform to humanize poverty and rally resources.
"One of the things I wanted to do was change the face of homelessness," Raines told PEOPLE in a 2020 interview. "Just because they're without a home does not mean they're without love."
The news of her passing triggered an outpouring of grief online. Celebrities like singer Lizzo and food critic Keith Lee posted emotional tributes, highlighting Raines’s profound personal impact. Her nonprofit announced plans for a private funeral and a public day of service later this month.
Community Reaction:
Marcus Johnson, 42, Social Worker in Downtown LA: "Shirley’s work was unique because it addressed dignity, not just survival. A haircut, a hot meal served with respect—that changes a person’s day. Her loss is incalculable for the community."
Dr. Aliyah Chen, Public Health Researcher: "This is a tragic loss, but it also highlights the immense physical and emotional strain on frontline activists. Sustaining that level of grassroots effort without institutional support often takes a hidden toll."
Terrence "Ray" Miller, 55, Former Skid Row Resident: "All these nice words now? Where was the support when she was burning out? The system leans on people like Shirley until they break. It’s convenient to call it 'natural causes,' but ignoring the stress of this work is a cop-out."
Rebecca Torres, Volunteer Coordinator: "She showed that advocacy is about partnership, not pity. Our volunteer network is heartbroken, but we’re committed to ensuring Beauty 2 The Streetz continues. That’s the best tribute we can offer."