Jessica Alba Surprises Beauty 2 the Streetz Founder Who Makes L…
Q&A with Organizational Pro Peter Walsh + Dermatologist Shares A…
Actor Hank Azaria + Freezer Meals + Artichokes 2 Ways with Rach
See Inside Barbara Corcoran's Stunning NY Apartment + It's Steak…
How to Make Chicken and Lobster Piccata | Richard Blais
Donnie Wahlberg + Jenny McCarthy Say Rach Is Such a "Joy" + Look…
The Best Moments From 17 Seasons of the Show Will Make You Laugh…
Donnie Wahlberg Spills Details About NKOTB's First Ever Conventi…
How to Make Crabby Carbonara | Rachael Ray
Rach Chats "Firsts" In Flashback From Our First Episode Ever In …
Rach's Chef Pals Say Goodbye to Show in Surprise Video Message
How to Make Apple-Cider Braised Pork Chop Sandwiches with Onion …
How to Make Sesame Cookies | Buddy Valastro
How to Make Tortilla with Potatoes, Piquillo Peppers and Mancheg…
How to Make Shrimp Burgers | Jacques Pepin
Andrew McCarthy Chokes Up Discussing Emotional Trip to Spain wit…
Celebrity Guests Send Farewell Messages After 17 Seasons of the …
Andrew McCarthy Teases Upcoming "Brat Pack" Reunion Special
How to Make Spanakopipasta | Rachael Ray
Celebrity Guests Send Farewell Messages After 17 Seasons of the …
Michelle Obama Toasts Rach's 17 Years on the Air With a Heartfel…
After Shirley Raines suffered the unspeakable loss of her two-year-old son five days before his third birthday, followed by her father and her son's father, she thought she might never escape the darkness.
Until a church trip to Los Angeles' Skid Row neighborhood to feed the homeless completely changed her life.
"[My organization] Beauty 2 the Streetz came about because of my pain," Shirley explains. "It wasn't until I hit the streets and I got to Skid Row that I realized, 'Oh man, this is where I should have been all along.'"
While handing out food, Shirley kept getting compliments on her colorful hair and makeup, which made her realize that the people she was feeding might also like a little beauty in their lives. She got makeup samples and put them in little bags to hand out. Before long, she was bringing out buckets of water and borrowing folding chairs from a local store so she could wash and style hair. "They started calling me the makeup lady," she says.
Fast forward a few years, and what started as a special treat for about 30 people has turned into Shirley doing hair and makeup for countless members of the homeless community—not to mention feeding hundreds of people (300 to 500 at a time) out of her car, multiple times a week.
"This journey has given me a sense of purpose," says Shirley.
And we, no surprise, aren't the only ones inspired! Moved by her generosity, LA Financial Credit Union donated $10,000 to Shirley's cause. Plus, actress and founder of The Honest Company, Jessica Alba, helped us surprise Shirley with 10,000 Honest products, including makeup and hand sanitizer, for the advocate to share with the community.
"I want to lift up and support others in our community that are doing good, and you are—every single day—such an inspiration," Jessica tells Shirley. "Thank you so much for what you do, for giving people dignity and letting them be seen and heard."
But, ever the generous soul, while Shirley appreciates the praise, she shies away from it. "Your words are so kind," she says, "but I think what I do should very well be normalized."
She continues, "We're feeding people who are hungry, we're clothing those who are cold. I appreciate you guys recognizing them and giving us a platform to share with the world this amazing community."
UPDATE: Shirley’s been very busy since we first met–like, winning CNN'’s 2021 Hero of the Year Award busy! Find out what she and the team are planning to do with the incredible $100,000 grant here.
Beauty 2 the Streetz's Shirley Raines Has BIG Plans for the Team's $100K CNN Hero of the Year Grant
Beauty 2 the Streetz's Shirley Raines Has BIG Plans for the Team…
Q&A with Organizational Pro Peter Walsh + Dermatologist Shares A…
Actor Hank Azaria + Freezer Meals + Artichokes 2 Ways with Rach
See Inside Barbara Corcoran's Stunning NY Apartment + It's Steak…
How to Make Chicken and Lobster Piccata | Richard Blais
Donnie Wahlberg Spills Details About NKOTB's First Ever Conventi…
Donnie Wahlberg + Jenny McCarthy Say Rach Is Such a "Joy" + Look…
The Best Moments From 17 Seasons of the Show Will Make You Laugh…
How to Make Crabby Carbonara | Rachael Ray
Rach Chats "Firsts" In Flashback From Our First Episode Ever In …
How to Make Apple-Cider Braised Pork Chop Sandwiches with Onion …
Rach's Chef Pals Say Goodbye to Show in Surprise Video Message
How to Make Sesame Cookies | Buddy Valastro
How to Make Tortilla with Potatoes, Piquillo Peppers and Mancheg…
How to Make Shrimp Burgers | Jacques Pepin
How to Make Spanakopipasta | Rachael Ray
Andrew McCarthy Chokes Up Discussing Emotional Trip to Spain wit…
Celebrity Guests Send Farewell Messages After 17 Seasons of the …
Celebrity Guests Send Farewell Messages After 17 Seasons of the …
Andrew McCarthy Teases Upcoming "Brat Pack" Reunion Special
Michelle Obama Toasts Rach's 17 Years on the Air With a Heartfel…
More Info
