Shirley Rainesa.ok.a “Ms. Shirley,” died in January 2026, age 58. Her loss of life shocked her interior circle and broke hearts across the nation. She constructed a considerable TikTok following over time for her work in serving and caring for the homeless, primarily in Los Angeles’ Skid Row neighborhood.
Her nonprofit, Magnificence 2 The Streetz, introduced the information of her premature loss of life in an Instagram assertion on January 28, 2026.
“It’s with profound sorrow and heavy hearts that Magnificence 2 The Streetz declares the passing of our beloved CEO and founder, Shirley Raines, affectionately recognized to so many as Ms. Shirley,” the announcement learn. “Ms. Shirley devoted her life to serving others and made an immeasurable influence on homeless communities all through Los Angeles and Nevada. By her tireless advocacy, deep compassion, and unwavering dedication, she used her highly effective media platform to amplify the voices of these in want and to carry dignity, sources, and hope to among the most underserved populations.”
The group added that Shirley’s loss of life was “devastating to your complete Magnificence 2 The Streetz workforce” and vowed to hold her legacy.
Listed below are 5 details to find out about Shirley’s life and work.
Shirley Raines Was a Nonprofit Founder
Shirley was an activist and the founding father of her nonprofit group, Magnificence 2 The Streetz, which serves homeless individuals in L.A. and Las Vegas with necessities.
Whereas her altruism resonated with the general public, it was Shirley’s cheerful demeanor that really struck a chord. She often known as anybody she served “kings” and “queens,” making a extra uplifting setting for homeless individuals who met her.
“I believe it’s essential to alter the narrative of what individuals suppose Skid Row is about, to see the commonalities that we have now,” Shirley advised CNN in 2022.
Shirley Raines Was Additionally a TikTok Persona
Shirley’s recognition boomed on TikTok. Since beginning her work with the West Coast’s homelessness disaster, she constructed a following of almost 6 million.
Shirley Raines Was a Mom of Six Youngsters
Though the late social media star devoted her life to activism, she was a mom in the beginning. She had six youngstersconsidered one of whom died. Shirley’s late 2-year-old son, Demetrius, died from an unintentional overdose after accessing a member of the family’s prescription medicines in 1990.
Whereas the ache of her son’s loss of life led to hardship, she finally discovered a brand new goal in her work.
Shirley is survived by her 5 residing youngsters.
Shirley Raines Was Acknowledged With A number of Accolades
As her social media following grew, Shirley was acknowledge withb a number of accolades for her activism. She was awarded the 2025 NAACP Picture Award for Excellent Social Media Persona and was named a CNN Hero of the 12 months in 2021 — however she was by no means in it for the applause, Shirley mentioned in 2022, per CNN.
“I don’t do hero stuff, I do human stuff,” she defined. “I work out right here within the streets to realize the belief of my group. The world had that chance to vote for 10 superb organizations. They usually selected one which handled homelessness … to them that may say, ‘Oh my god. Folks actually are paying consideration. Folks actually do care.”
Shirley Raines Stood On Stage With Lizzo on the 2022 Folks’s Selection Awards
On the 2022 Folks’s Selection Awards, Shirley was one of many 17 activists who joined Lizzo on stage to just accept The Folks’s Champion award.