A TikTok creator known for her volunteer work on Skid Row in Los Angeles has died at 58.
Shirley Raines, known on social media as “Miss Shirley,” was remembered in a statement by her non-profit organization, Beauty 2 the Streetz, shared Wednesday on Facebook.
“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 statement shared.
“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.”
The organization went on to say that Raines changed countless lives with her “love, generosity, and selfless service.”
Her cause of death has not been disclosed.
Raines gained a following on TikTok through her heartwarming posts and livestreams as she provided hair, makeup, food, and clothes to thousands of people in homeless communities across Los Angeles and Las Vegas. She was known for her efforts to bring dignity to people who are struggling.
The entrepreneur was named the 2021 CNN Hero of the Year and given $100,000 to expand her work at the time. She said at the time that she was inspired to start her charity work when she visited Skid Row, a notoriously impoverished area in downtown Los Angeles, on a 2017 church trip.
“I’m like, ‘Oh, this is where all the broken people are? Oh, I’ve been looking for y’all all my life,” she told CNN about Skid Row. “I never wanted to leave. It’s a place where people have amazing hearts, but nobody can see it because they can’t see the forest for the trees.”
More to follow…