When Shirley Raines first began working with the homeless, it was through a charity that provided Los Angeles’ Skid Row with food. She then began to notice the women were more interested in her colorful hair and makeup than anything else.

In an interview with Insider, Shirley said: ‘As we passed out food, the women were more interested in my hair color and my makeup. And they used to compliment me, going “oh my god, we love your makeup” or “we love your hair color” or “you smell so good.”‘

After a few months, Shirley realized she could have even more of an impact.

‘After a couple months, it hit me, that “wow, women are still interested in these things”, and I realized that at their core, they’re still women.’

Shirley soon realized she had the skill and compassion to take matters into her own hands. She then started Beauty2thestreetz, an Instagram account for her business. The bio reads: “Not all Queens live in castles, some live on the streets.”

With the help of her group of loyal volunteers, they provide the homeless with makeovers, new hairdos, and pampering sessions.

‘When a woman comes to my chair and she says that she wants to get her hair done, she’ll sit down and it’s almost like she’s apologetic for her hair being dirty, or apologetic for her hair being matted together. And I’m like “it’s okay”, that’s why we’re here. We’re here to help you change your look if that’s what you want.’

‘I can see the confidence building as they’re in the chair, and the process isn’t even complete. I can see as their hair color is changing, or as they have the plastic cap on their head they just feel special. They feel like there’s something other than the circumstances and the situation that they’re in at that time.’

The 51-year-old mother of six believes basic self-care like makeup, hairdos, and even showers can completely change a person’s outlook.

‘I think like anyone, when your self-esteem is high, you feel like you can do anything, and getting off the streets has to be one of the hardest things that they’re going to face in their life or encounter in their life. So feeling good is the first step to healing.’

The people of Skid Row are exactly that. People. They deserve the basic respect that comes with it.

‘The men and women of Skid Row are not just all drug addicts and alcoholics. These are actually people who fell on hard times.’

‘I think it’s important for people to understand that just because someone is without a home doesn’t change who they are at their core. Women are still women. Everyone wants to feel beautiful. Everyone wants to feel special. Every woman wants to look in the mirror and see something different than their circumstances and their hardship and their situation.’

�I�ll run this race nestled safely in amazing grace�...I love the lyrics but it�s not always a safe race! Every Saturday we are able to provide a safe space for the homeless of skid row but more needs to be done. I want my children safe 24/7...the homeless are ALL someone�s children. #humaninterest #respect #stayhumble #wefeedthehungry #mentalhealth #helpingothers #helpingthehomeless #skidrow #payitforward #nonprofit #change #people #worldhunger #wakeupandmakeup #help #humanity #donate #hoodlove #dotherightthing #ghetto #endhunger #themarathoncontinues #photooftheday #helpinghands #streetlife Posted by Shirley Raines on Thursday, May 16, 2019

It goes without saying, but the world really would be a better place with more people like Shirley Raines in it. For most of us in major cities, we can get so desensitized to the poverty surrounding us. We look right through people on the streets, and the only times we notice them are when something bad happens. Shirley is reminding us those are still human beings, and it only takes one simple act of kindness to make a difference.