Today we’d like to introduce you to Shirley Raines.
Hi Shirley, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
After years of struggling with depression after the death of my first child, I decided to figure out a way to make purpose out of my pain. For me, purpose was found in helping homeless people who felt just as broken at me through helping them rediscover their beauty and worth through makeovers and hygiene services, but also through friendship and the relationships, I’ve formed with them over the years.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The biggest struggle has been seeing the number of homeless people grow and trying to figure out a way to provide for everyone in need. We have a large social media family who helps support our work, but even to this day we sometimes have to turn people away because we’ve simply run out of supplies.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m the founder of the nonprofit Beauty 2 The Streetz I am personally known for my loud personality and even louder style choices.
I’m most proud of the fact that I’ve been able to create true bonds and friendships with the homeless community. They trust that I’ll be there every week to feed them, clothe them and care for them.
The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
The biggest thing I learned during covid was how truly cut off from the world the homeless actually are. We were the first ones to even tell the homeless community on Skid Row that covid was around and present them with the information they needed to stay safe. It really revealed that in times of worldwide crisis, this already forgotten community can be even more forgotten.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: Beauty2thestreetz.org
- Instagram: @Beauty2theStreetz
- Twitter: @Beauty2thestreetz
Image Credits:
Photo by Thomas R. Cordova of the Long Beach Post
