Red Rabbit Advocacy: Empowering Change Through Personal Struggles

Jessica Velez didn’t just survive homelessness—she flipped the script and turned her story into a powerhouse for change. Enter Red Rabbit Advocacy, the Stockton, CA-based nonprofit she launched to tackle homelessness like a boss. And this ain’t your average charity—it’s a movement fueled by lived experience, real talk, and relentless drive. Yet Jessica accepts no credit for her amazing dedication or fruitful work. She humbly and honorably gives all the glory to God.

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Red Rabbit Advocacy

Urgent Need for Change

Here’s the deal: Politicians, city officials, and nonprofits love to talk about change. They host press conferences, write proposals, and sometimes even secure grants. But let’s keep it 100—how often do those big discussions actually turn into real action? Hardly ever. It’s one thing to talk a big game; it’s another thing entirely to live, breathe, and dedicate your life to making change happen. And that’s where Jessica Hinojos steps in with Red Rabbit Advocacy—a nonprofit that’s not just legit, but straight-up inspiring

Red Rabbit’s Roots

Let’s be clear: Red Rabbit Advocacy wasn’t cooked up in some fancy boardroom. It wasn’t brainstormed over lattes and PowerPoint slides. Nope, this nonprofit was born out of lived experience—Jessica’s own.

Red Rabbit Advocacy isn’t just making moves—it’s leading a movement!

Jessica kicked off her mission with bold steps: writing letters to the mayor, joining homelessness-focused committees, and pushing for diversion programs over incarceration. By the time 2021 rolled around, her vision crystallized into Red Rabbit Advocacy—a nonprofit built to offer hope, resources, and real solutions.

Jessica's Story

Jessica’s story isn’t about photo ops or flashy headlines. It’s about grit, heart, and real impact. From dealing with personal struggles to becoming a lifeline for folks in San Joaquin County, her journey is as powerful as the mission she fights for.

Jessica once faced the looming threat of homelessness herself, felt the weight of hopelessness, and turned her pain into action.Her epiphany came during an encounter with a homeless woman—someone whose struggle opened Jessica’s heart and made her realize that this wasn’t just her battle; it was everyone’s battle. And with faith in God and determination in her veins, she started fighting for others who felt forgotten by the world.

Jessica’s Mayor Bid

Fast-forward to 2024: Jessica decides to run for mayor of Stockton. But here’s the twist—while the other candidates were busy schmoozing and kissing babies, Jessica stayed laser-focused on her causes. Her humility, hard work, and dedication to her cause throughout her run for mayor, and the fact that most of her work and efforts were never publicized

or even recorded or announced beforehand absolutely convinced us that she wasn't about politics or any personal gain,

which is virtually unprecedented in the world of politics!

Winning wasn’t the mission—change was. Even though she didn’t snag the mayor’s seat, her campaign brought awareness to critical issues, including homelessness, police reform, crime prevention, economic stability, public safety, transparency, the accountability of certain leaders, and many more.

Marriage

On December 5, 2024, Jessica Velez became Jessica Hinojos when she married Rick Hinojos. Rick is extremely proud of Jessica's vision and has been throughout the seven years he's known her. She says Rick has been by her side through it all, her day 1. With his love and support, they've moved mountains. The majority of the time doing so with little to no funding! What kept them pushing when most of us would have intuitively given up? A little gas money and a whole lot of faith!

Having grown up in an area notorious for poverty, drugs, prostitution, gangs, corrupt city leaders and law enforcement, and a community exposed to so much hate and violence, it had become desensitized to daily headlines that would've rocked most cities, Rick Hinojos had just about seen it all. He knows how to navigate through places many outsiders wouldn't dare go. Having every reason to become "victims" or "products" of their environment, these two use their experiences to benefit others hoping to leave this world better than they found it and fulfill what they believe wholeheartedly is God's will.

With his love and support, experience, hilarious sense of humor, strength (even through adversity,) her vision, and tenacity they have become a powerful force, a priceless asset to everyone in and around the community they love.

What Red Rabbit Advocacy Brings to the Table

Real Outreach Jessica and her crew hit the streets to connect with people where they need help the most. Homeless encampments, unstable housing situations—you name it. They’re out there handing out resources, offering support, and reminding folks they’re not alone.

SMART Goals Red Rabbit doesn’t just offer quick fixes; they’re about long-term solutions. Through SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, Timed), they help clients create action plans to rebuild their lives step by step. Stability isn’t just a dream—it’s a plan.

Eviction Support An eviction notice can be the first step toward homelessness, and Jessica’s team steps in before things spiral out of control. While they don’t offer legal advice, they provide guidance and resources that can make all the difference.

Advocacy for Systemic Change Homelessness isn’t just an individual problem—it’s a systemic one. That’s why Red Rabbit fights for diversion programs that treat people with compassion, not punishment. Change starts at the root.

The Heart of the Mission

What makes Red Rabbit Advocacy stand out isn’t just what they do—it’s how they do it. Jessica’s leadership infuses every interaction with empathy. Her personal journey connects her to clients in a way that few can. When she says, “I know what you’re going through,” she means it. And that authenticity fuels the organization’s passion to make sure no one has to face homelessness alone.

How You Can Help

Running a nonprofit like Red Rabbit Advocacy takes a village. Here’s how you can support their mission:

Donate: Every contribution fuels life-changing programs.
Volunteer: Whether it’s on the streets or behind the scenes, your time makes a difference.
Spread the Word: Share their story, amplify their message, and rally your community.

Jessica Hinojos didn’t let her past hold her back—it pushed her forward. And through Red Rabbit Advocacy, she’s giving others the tools to do the same. This nonprofit isn’t just changing lives; it’s proving that even in the darkest moments, there’s light to be found.

So here’s the question: Why wouldn’t you support Red Rabbit Advocacy? Let’s stand together, back this movement, and create a world where compassion isn’t just the exception—it’s the rule.