Empowering Women, Changing LiveS
Opening Doors uplifts and empowers women and children experiencing homelessness and poverty. Through housing, support, and comprehensive services, we collaborate with dynamic partners to provide hospitality, hope, and opportunity to over 5,000 women and their children. Our work builds a compassionate community and invests in a brighter future, helping women and their families overcome hardship, achieve self-sufficiency, and embark on paths to independence and success.
In Need of Shelter?
Call Teresa Shelter at 563.690.0086
Emergency and extended stay program are based upon availability. For additional resources please call the Homeless Hotline 24 hours a day, 7 days a week dial 2-1-1.
Three Doorways to Hope
Since organizational inception, our work has grown to encompass four locations including our operations center and three separate facilities including emergency, transitional, and permanent supportive housing. Our approach prioritizes key pillars: maintaining sobriety, securing full-time employment, regularly meeting with a case manager, and saving 30% of income. Due to these values, we are limited in our access to state and federal funding, as we choose to uphold our long-term vision over short-term compliance.
Teresa Shelter
Maria House
Francis Apartments
Emergency and Extended Stay Programs
Transitional Houseing for up to two years
Income-based affordable housing
Three Doorways to Hope
Since organizational inception, our work has grown to encompass four locations including our operations center and three separate facilities including emergency, transitional, and permanent supportive housing. Our approach prioritizes key pillars: maintaining sobriety, securing full-time employment, regularly meeting with a case manager, and saving 30% of income. Due to these values, we are limited in our access to state and federal funding, as we choose to uphold our long-term vision over short-term compliance.
We’re more than partners with the National Women’s Shelter Network—we’re family helping families.
The NWSN has officially launched a national toll-free help line designed to connect women, children, and families experiencing—or at risk of—homelessness with shelter and supportive resources through its trusted member network.
This new resource expands access to safe, dignified, and trauma-informed pathways forward, especially for individuals navigating crisis, displacement, or housing instability.
NWSN National Help Line:
1-833-THE-NWSN (1-833-843-6976)
Opening Doors is proud to stand alongside the National Women’s Shelter Network (NWSN) as they take a major step forward in strengthening access to safe shelter across the country.
Why This Matters to Opening Doors?
As a proud NWSN member, we believes deeply in shared solutions, collective advocacy, and systems-level change. This national help line strengthens the continuum of care by:
- Improving access to shelter information
- Reducing barriers for women and families seeking help
- Amplifying the reach and impact of local programs through national collaboration
Together, we are building a stronger, more connected safety net—because safe shelter saves lives.
Please follow important disclaimers – The NWSN toll-free number does not replace emergency services.
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, please call 911 or your local emergency services.
Community Partners
John Deere
Portzen Consturciton
Municipal Well & Pump
Hirschbauch Motor Lines
Verena Street
Lime Rocks Spring Co.
Flynn Family Foundation
All sister communities
AY McDonlad
McCoy Group
Tricon Construction
Cottingham & Butler
Dubuque StamPing & Manufacturing
Universal Tank & Fabrication
Dupaco COMMUNITY Credit Union
UMB Bank
DRA
News
Counting What Matters: How the PIT Count Supports Our Neighbors
Each year, the Point-in-Time Count provides a critical snapshot of homelessness in our community, helping identify service gaps and guide funding decisions at the local,
Attitude of Gratitude 2025 – Event Recap & Your Impact
With so many exciting things happening at Opening Doors, we’re thrilled to finally share a full recap of this year’s Attitude of Gratitude, and what
Help Us With a Critical Need
Every day, women and children call Opening Doors home. Right now, over 30 individuals are living in our emergency shelter and transitional housing. Together, we
Back to School: Ensuring Every Child Has a Fair Start
As backpacks are packed and classrooms fill with the energy of a new school year, we’re reminded of the excitement and hope this season brings.
Events
Visit Support the Mission of Opening Doors
The women in our programs come from diverse backgrounds, with lived experiences including domestic violence, substance abuse, mental health challenges, and generational poverty. At Opening Doors, we treat each woman and child with dignity, offering personalized, comprehensive case management. Through this process, women are empowered to realize their full potential by setting achievable goals, gaining employment support, receiving life skills training, and participating in financial literacy programs, parenting classes, substance abuse treatment, and health care services. We also provide access to essential resources like food and clothing, helping them move toward stable, independent living.
Sign Up for Email Newsletter
Sign up for our monthly e-newsletter and occasional updates to stay informed about the latest news, inspiring stories, and impactful initiatives at Opening Doors!
Newsletter Signup
Receive our monthly e-newsletter and occasional updates about what is going on with Opening Doors.
Thank you, Nicole Breitbach, and the entire ITC Holdings Corp. - Midwest team for your generosity and leadership. Yesterday, the WISE Women’s Employee Resource Group hosted a donation drive in honor of International Women’s Day, and Opening Doors Dubuque was grateful to be chosen as the beneficiary. We were able to share our virtual tour, bringing our mission to life and answering questions that helped deepen understanding of the work we do. When organizations come together with intention and compassion, real change happens. Thank you for helping us continue opening doors of opportunity within our community! #womensERG #internationalwomensday #communityimpact #ITCHoldingsCorp.
As we continue to honor the women behind the scenes… meet another incredible leader. I’m proud to introduce Kim Budde of @kunkel_insurance - a long-time partner, advocate, and dedicated member of the Opening Doors Board. Kim’s heart for this mission is evident in everything she does. Her leadership and commitment have helped shape the impact we continue to make for women and children in our community. 💬 “To me, representing Opening Doors as a board member is both a privilege and a responsibility I hold close to my heart… This is work that matters—and it’s exactly where my heart belongs.” What resonates most with Kim is our unwavering commitment to providing safety, dignity, and hope and the belief that every woman and their child deserves a place to begin again. Over the years, she has witnessed firsthand the power of this mission in action- from stories of resilience to milestones like opening our third door, Francis Apartments, a true reflection of what’s possible when a community comes together. Kim, thank you for your leadership, your advocacy, and your heart. ❤️ #WomensHistoryMonth #OpeningDoorsDBQ #WomenInLeadership #CommunityImpact #Gratitude
We’re Hiring! Opening Doors is seeking a reliable, mission‑driven Part‑Time Maintenance Technician to help keep our the Teresa Shelter and Maria House safe, welcoming, and well‑maintained for the women and their children we serve. This role is perfect for someone who enjoys hands‑on work, problem‑solving, and making a meaningful impact in our community. Get mor deatils and apply here today- https://www.indeed.com/viewjob?jk=0fbca88dd1a53f89&from=shareddesktop_copy
With the help of both the Teresa Shelter and Maria House I know I can do anything if I just stay positive and put my mind to it. With you having “Open Doors” there is hope for everyone who enters the programs.