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By Maria Azzurra Volpe
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Pop star Lizzo has led an emotional wave of tributes following the death of beloved homeless activist Shirley Raines, praising her as a rare and selfless figure who devoted her entire life to uplifting people experiencing homelessness.
Raines, the founder of non-profit Beauty 2 The Streetz who was also known simply as “Ms. Shirley,” died at the age of 58, prompting an outpouring of love from fans and celebrities who had followed her charitable work throughout the years.
Her organization delivered food, hygiene supplies, clothing and even beauty services to those in need, especially along Skid Row in Los Angeles and in Nevada.
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Among the tributes that followed her death, Lizzo’s reaction was one of the most compelling. In an emotional Instagram story shared on Wednesday, the singer described Raines as “rare” and “special,” saying that people like her deserve protection, honor, and appreciation while they’re still alive.
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Lizzo recalled how generous Raines was with others, and how deeply she cared about uplifting marginalized people.
The singer was joined by other well-known figures in the industry, including SZA, Coco Gauff, and Eva Mendez, who said on Instagram that she was “shattered” by this devastating loss. Queen Latifah praised Raines’ work as inspiring and beautiful, reflecting on the powerful impact she had on those she helped.
In a statement announcing her death, Beauty 2 The Streetz described its founder as a guiding light for the people she helped and the team she led, adding that her tireless advocacy and deep compassion amplified voices that often went unheard.
The exact cause of Raines’ death has not been publicly disclosed by the nonprofit or by her family, and initial reports indicate that the details remain unknown. She was found unresponsive at her home in Henderson, Nevada.
Raines’ life was shaped by loss as well as love. Decades before starting her non-profit, she endured the tragic passing of her young son, a heartbreak that later inspired her mission of service.
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After winning the CNN's Hero of the Year award in 2021 for her impactful humanitarian work through Beauty 2 the Streetz, Raines said in her acceptance speech: “This surely hasn’t been easy. I stand before you today a very broken woman.”
“I am a mother without a son and there are a lot of people in the streets that are without a mother, and I feel like it’s a fair exchange. I'm here for them,” she said.
Newsweek reached out to Lizzo, and Beauty 2 The Streetz via email for comment.
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