Did you know St. John’s Ministries performs two forms of street outreach for unhoused and unsheltered neighbors throughout Brown County? St. John’s Ministries serves on the Homeless Outreach Team and provides a Street Outreach Ministry of their own, both in partnership with the Green Bay Police Department’s Behavioral Health Unit.
Homeless Outreach Team
As a member of the Brown County Homeless & Housing Coalition, St. John’s Ministries serves on the Homeless Outreach Team (HOT Team) and responds to police calls regarding homelessness and mental health throughout the community. When the Behavioral Health Unit receives appropriate calls, the BHU alerts the HOT team and both parties dispatch to the scene.
“In the past an officer would address the situation on their own. Now with the HOT Team and the BHU, non-violent situations — often dealing with mental health — are handled by professionals trained in trauma response that can connect people to community resources and the care they need and deserve.” — Tollef Wienke, Case Manager
The Behavioral Health Unit has been active since April 1, 2024. Since then the HOT Team has responded to over 50% of calls to the BHU.
Street Outreach Ministry
St. John’s Ministries Street Outreach Ministry is vital for reaching individuals living in seclusion who can’t or won’t access shelter — especially individuals struggling with severe mental illness or co-occurring conditions. This work meets people where they are, offering dignity, support, and the first steps toward lasting change.
“Our intention is to reach individuals at encampments off the beaten path and out of the public eye. We want to reach these folks, engage with them, and build rapport before we receive calls from the community.” — Tollef Wienke, Case Manager
In April 2025, staff members Tollef Wienke and Tony Schneider, joined by Officers Cody and Gerry from the Green Bay Police Department’s Behavioral Health Unit, conducted their first street outreach of the year. The team visited more than ten known encampment sites across the city to prepare for the warmer months ahead.
“This first day of street outreach sets the stage for the rest of the year. It shows us where people may have been, are currently, or could be living. If we don’t connect with anyone today, we will return next week.” — Tollef Wienke, Case Manager
