The Gateway Collective
A New Approach to Housing Stability.
Safe, stable housing is essential for thriving families and communities
Gateway Collective views housing as a foundational need that supports economic self-sufficiency and well-being.
Empowering families to break the cycle of poverty through resources and support
Gateway Collective combats housing instability by providing tools and opportunities for families to achieve lasting economic mobility and homeownership.
A scalable mission beginning in Green Bay, WI
While starting locally, Gateway Collective intends to create a model that other cities can implement to build strong, resilient communities across the country.
Who we are
At Gateway Collective, we’re not new to this work—we spent years understanding the roots of housing instability and developing the expertise needed to break the cycle. Our story began with St. John’s Ministries, where we saw firsthand the harsh realities faced by individuals and families who experienced homelessness. Over the years, we learned what led to housing instability and the barriers that kept people trapped in crisis. Today, we use that knowledge to intervene before the crisis hits.
We know that waiting until families fall into crisis is too late. Our experience shows that early intervention empowers families to make lasting changes. That’s why we’re committed to providing upstream solutions—offering support, financial education, case management, and wellness resources to hardworking families before they reach instability. Our approach doesn’t just respond to crises- it prevents them from ever happening in the first place.
Our team has over 50 years of experience in the homeless response industry, making us experts in preventing homelessness!
Our roots grow deep
The Gateway Collective was formed with passion and courage by St. John’s Ministries, a non-profit organization whose mission is to honor the dignity, restore hope and create lasting change for those experiencing homelessness or housing instability in the Green Bay community.
Like St. John’s Ministries, The Gateway Collective is founded and rooted in Christian values. And while our focus will be different, both organizations will seek to tackle homelessness and housing instability from different angles.
Together, we are stronger.
Our Calling
We're driven by a singular purpose: to transform communities, uplift families, and create a ripple effect of opportunity that strengthens neighborhoods for generations to come.
Our Vision
We believe the end of housing instability is not a distant dream-it's within reach, and we are relentlessly pursuing it.
Our Values
Purpose-driven Culture, Authentic Community, Relentless Pursuit, Radical Responsibility, and Commitment to Wellbeing
Our "Why"
We are Christian leaders called to live out the teachings of Christ-believing every person is made in the image of God and deserves dignity, respect, and opportunity. Our mission to end homelessness and housing instability is rooted in this conviction. We are committed to loving our neighbors, caring for the marginalized, and creating pathways to economic mobility so families can thrive.
Gateway Collective exists because we believe homelessness is preventable. Our current focus is City Center Lofts in Green Bay-a socially inclusive housing model designed to offer affordable, holistic living for individuals and families across all income levels. Our vision is to build a true sense of community where all people feel valued, supported, and connected.
Increased Life Satisfaction
Stabilized Housing Markets
Stronger Regional Economy
Meet the Team
CEO
Dr. Alexia Rehn
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Dr. Alexia (Lexie) Rehn is deeply passionate about impacting change within systemic issues. She offers a wealth of knowledge concerning homelessness, addiction, and mental health, drawing from her 17 years of experience working in the nonprofit sector. Lexie holds a Master of Social Work degree from UW-Milwaukee, and a Doctor of Social Work degree from the University of Southern California, where her research focused on social connectedness as a pathway to overcoming homelessness. As a foster and adoptive mom, she knows the impact of generational poverty and trauma, identifying how early experiences contribute to risk factors later on. This understanding, combined with her extensive doctoral research, serves as the foundation for calling to create affordable workforce housing.
CFO
Julie Kozak CPA
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Julie began her accounting career during her first year of college before graduating Magna Cum Laude from Western Washington University with a bachelor’s degree in accounting and business administration. She has nearly 40 years of experience in accounting including public accounting, private industry and nonprofit arenas. Her expertise is in financial accounting and business analysis. In her role as Chief Financial Officer, Julie is responsible for payroll, accounting, budgeting and human resources.
Community Resource Advocate
Eugene Smalls, Jr.
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Eugene received his undergrad and grad degrees from University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, and both degrees are in Social Work. He is passionate about helping people see their worth in life and has been able to put this in action working in mental health, homeless youth, at-risk youth, and correctional youth settings. Prior to The gateway Collective, Eugene was a case manager for Family Service TLP, a House Supervisor for Freedom House, and a Case Manager at St. John’s Ministries. As Community Resource Advocate, Eugene will lead our on-site programming and navigate tenants to resources we provide/are available from our partners. Eugene is excited about empowering others and helping them to thrive. When Eugene is not at work, he can be found spending time with his children or enjoying the company of friends/family.
Board of Directors
Officers
- Bill Kinnard, President
- Andy Betz, Vice President
- Pat Gorski, Treasurer
- Theresa Ostert, Secretary
Directors
- Katrina Cox
- Antonio Le
- Jeff Pittman
- Angie Sheehan
- Joe Shefchik
- Dylan Valentine
- Samantha Wagner
- Ted Zieman
Steering Committee
These talented individuals provide strategic direction within our board committees to ensure the we have the skills and expertise from various fields. Thank you to our team for their support!
- Laurie Timmerman - Associated Bank (retired)
- Sarah Klapper - Bay Area Workforce Development
- Aaron Faulkner - Bank First
- Troy Murphy - Green Bay Community Church
- Amy Budd - Schneider National
- Jody Anderson - Bellin Health
- Patti Bani- Capital Credit Union
- Joe Simon- DaVinci Insurance Advisors
Our History
The Gateway Collective is a 501 (c) (3) founded in 2023 to respond to the upstream needs of housing instability and homelessness. Birthed out of St. John’s Ministries, The Gateway Collective exists to empower hardworking individuals and families by tackling the root causes of community challenges. By bringing supportive services upstream, a family can be supported before a moment of crisis hits. Founder and CEO, Dr. Alexia Rehn focused her doctoral research on the impact of housing instability and homelessness on one’s sense of purpose and connectedness. As a result, The Gateway Collective is an innovative shift in thinking: instead of continuing to respond to a problem, we work to prevent it.