“It is only a in reality superb alternative for the homeless to be noticed, helped … for other folks to know what they are going via,” she stated.
“I feel you must exchange the narrative of what other folks suppose Skid Row is ready, to look the commonalities that we’ve got,” Raines stated.
Rain or shine, she units up “store” weekly on the nook of fifth and Towne to serve the ones she calls “Kings” and “Queens.” Her objective is to assist them see themselves as worthy, whether or not that suggests a haircut, a facial, a hearty meal, or a hug.
Raines says she is aware of the way it feels to be categorized. For many years, she struggled with monetary lack of confidence, grief and loss after the demise of her first son.
“The sector checked out me and concept almost certainly the similar factor they take into consideration the homeless after they move them via,” she stated. “You by no means know what any individual’s going via, you realize?”
After volunteering with a church crew on Skid Row, Raines stated it used to be the homeless neighborhood that helped her to find function.
“I went to Skid Row, I am like, ‘Oh, that is the place the entire damaged individuals are? Oh, I have been in search of y’all all my lifestyles,” she stated. “I by no means sought after to go away.”
Early on, Raines started live-streaming her Attractiveness 2 the Streetz occasions on Instagram and Tik Tok and shortly amassed a faithful social media following. She has greater than 4 million fans on social media — individuals who now not simplest need to assist but in addition apply her paintings and lifestyles. In occasions of want, Raines regularly appeals to them for donated tents and hygiene pieces.
And in 2021, when Raines discovered she used to be a Most sensible 10 CNN Hero, she additionally inspired her fans to vote for her for CNN Hero of the Yr.
“Up to you need to mention it does not in reality topic, let’s be actual. I sought after to convey that prize cash, that win, that popularity to the neighborhood,” she stated. “It felt in reality just right to grasp that social media in reality rocked with us.”
Raines used to be offered with the award via hosts Anderson Cooper and Kelly Ripa and thanked the Skid Row neighborhood and her kids, together with her overdue son, who impressed her paintings.
“I sought after other folks to know you aren’t taking a look at a lady who buried a kid, who began a non-profit, were given her lifestyles in combination, and now she’s a CNN Hero winner,” Raines stated. “You are looking at a lady who did all the ones issues and stays very a lot damaged, however but remains to be a CNN Hero winner.”
Raines’ group won $100,000 to increase its paintings, and she or he says the cash will likely be used for feeding systems. As homeless populations build up, she says they want give a boost to greater than ever.
“The paintings continues on,” Raines stated. “However it is the toughest factor to get the give a boost to and assist for. There is a huge want for tents (and) blankets down right here.”
For the ones Raines serves, the distinction and award have certainly been a win.
“It used to be like a workforce feeling,” stated Skid Row resident Michael Jackson who used to be featured in Raines’ profile piece. “Everybody used to be drawing near me … I used to be glad and proud simply to grasp her. She’s helped out extra other folks than you’ll consider.”
Regardless of the distinction, Raines says she needs to stick grounded and does not bring to mind herself as a hero.
“I do not do hero stuff, I do human stuff,” she stated. “I figure out right here within the streets to achieve the believe of my neighborhood. The sector had that chance to vote for 10 superb organizations. They usually selected one who handled homelessness … to them that would possibly say, ‘Oh my god. Other folks in reality are paying consideration. Other folks in reality do care.'”
CNN’s Dan Przygoda contributed to this tale.
