My name is Teresa

I first moved to the Teresa Shelter in September of 2023 after my home caught fire and I was left with nowhere to live. I had custody of my two-year-old grandson and needed somewhere safe for us to go. I was welcomed into Teresa Shelter without judgment of my past and began working hard on my goals to get myself back on my feet. Throughout my time at Teresa Shelter, I worked a full-time job, began saving money, paying off past debt, and started prioritizing my mental and physical health all while being the primary caretaker of my grandson. The staff at Teresa Shelter supported me in reaching my goals and taught me the importance of financial responsibility. I have never had money in a savings account and never thought I would be able to pay off my debts.

After living at Teresa Shelter for six months, I was given the opportunity to move into Opening Doors’ Francis Apartments and my grandson and I now have a space to call our own! I am confident in being able to live on my own due to the skills I was taught and support I was given throughout my time in this program. I am very grateful for Opening Doors and all they have done for us!”

Opening Doors is a nonprofit organization that helps women and children who are experiencing homelessness.  We provide goal setting and life skills training that enable them to achieve their full potential.  We offer a hand up in the world, not a handout. Since 2000, Opening Doors has served thousands women and children through a continuum of services. Teresa Shelter offers emergency and extended stay programs. Maria House offers transitional housing for up to two years. Francis Apartments offers an opportunity for income-based affordable housing with support services; a combination that has proven to be effective at ending the cycle of homelessness.