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.
Upcoming Events
Filling Your Cup
Hotel Julien 200 Main St, Dubuque, IA, United StatesSponsorship Menu (PDF) Purchase Tickets We are thrilled to announce that Jasmine Brett Stringer will be joining us as the keynote speaker for this year’s summer event, Filling Your Cup. […]
Save the Date: Attitude of Gratitude
Grand River Center 500 Bell St., Dubuque, IA, United StatesMark your calendar for Saturday, November 15, 2025, as we gather at the Grand River Center in Dubuque for our 23rd Annual Attitude of Gratitude Gala—an evening dedicated to celebrating […]
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.
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SOLD OUT: Filling Your Cup with @carpediemjbs at @hoteljuliendubuque
The countdown is on! This Thursday, we’re over-the-moon excited to welcome Jasmine to a sold-out stage at the elegant Hotel Julien for our highly-anticipated annual fundraiser, Filling Your Cup.
Get ready for an unforgettable morning of inspiration and empowerment as we come together to support the women and families in our community. We can’t wait to see you there!
#FillingYourCup #OpeningDoorsDBQ #SoldOutEvent #JasmineInspires #StrongerTogether #HotelJulienDubuque
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SOLD OUT: Filling Your Cup with @carpediemjbs at @hoteljuliendubuque
The countdown is on! This Thursday, we’re over-the-moon excited to welcome Jasmine to a sold-out stage at the elegant Hotel Julien for our highly-anticipated annual fundraiser, Filling Your Cup.
Get ready for an unforgettable morning of inspiration and empowerment as we come together to support the women and families in our community. We can’t wait to see you there!
#FillingYourCup #OpeningDoorsDBQ #SoldOutEvent #JasmineInspires #StrongerTogether #HotelJulienDubuque
Today, we’re honored to hear from Michelle Brown, the original Executive Director of Opening Doors.
“I was just humble when I was offered the position.” – Michelle Brown
Alongside Sister Helen, Michelle co-wrote the very first grant that helped launch our mission. Their vision and dedication lit the spark that continues to guide us today.
At Opening Doors, we proudly remain program-first—not housing-first. That means we prioritize comprehensive support: case management, accountability, and goal setting that empower women to build sustainable lives. Housing is a critical step, but healing and stability begin with support.
We will always stay true to our program-first mission—because without our past, we can’t move forward.
🎥 @kodiak_creative
Celebrating Our Amazing Sponsors - Filling Your Cup!
With just one week to go until our annual summer fundraiser featuring keynote speaker @carpediemjbs , we want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to our incredible sponsors. Your support and generosity make this event possible, allowing us to continue empowering women and strengthening our community.
A big thank you to our sponsors for helping us create a brighter future for those in need. We can’t wait to celebrate with you at the event!
Cappuccino:
@tuckerfreightlines
@cottinghambutler
@bvmsisters
DuTrac Community Credit
Sisters of the Presentation
Brew Crew:
Sisters of St. Francis of Dubuque, Iowa
@houseoftraveldbq
Friday Financial
Women’s Leadership Network
Brown’s Shoe Fit Dubuque
@diamondjodbq
J & J Pool Spa and Billiards
In-Kind Donations:
@hoteljuliendubuque
@verenastreet
Amazon
District 20
@thmediadubuque
#OpeningDoorsDBQ #SummerFundraiser #SponsorAppreciation #EmpoweringWomen #StrongerTogether
Celebrating Freedom and Community: Opening Doors at Juneteenth Event!
We were honored to participate in this year’s Juneteenth event as a nonprofit vendor booth, sharing in the festivities, food, music, and meaningful community connections. A special shoutout to the @mfcdbq for organizing another unforgettable celebration!
Did you know that Juneteenth traces its origins to June 19, 1865, when Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, with news that enslaved people were free—two years after President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation? This historical moment paved the way for African Americans’ ongoing journey toward equality and justice.
As we reflect on the significance of Juneteenth this week, let us continue to foster unity, understanding, and hope for a brighter future. Together, we can make a difference!
#Juneteenth #CelebratingFreedom #CommunityConnections #MFC #StrongerTogether #openingdoorsdubuque #communitytogether
Did you know opportunity is a driving force in our mission to support women and families in need? By fostering an environment of growth and potential, we enable our residents to rediscover their inner strength and seize new chances for a brighter future.
Our core values embody this commitment to opportunity:
- Empowerment: We believe that providing opportunities for personal development helps women take charge of their futures.
Opportunity: By offering housing, healing, and hope, we open doors to new beginnings and fresh starts.
- Community: Relationships and connections with others create opportunities for mutual support and growth.
- Inclusiveness: We strive to ensure everyone has equal access to opportunities, welcoming all with open hearts and minds.
Together, let’s embrace the power of opportunity and make a lasting difference in the lives of those we serve!
#OpeningDoorsDBQ #OpportunitiesForAll #CoreValues #EmpoweringWomen #StrongerTogether
📣 Just two weeks away!!!
We’re counting down the days until Filling Your Cup : A Morning of Inspiration — and we’re especially excited to welcome our incredible keynote speaker, @carpediemjbs
Her story will move you. Her energy will inspire you. And her message will leave you saying, “my cup runneth over.” 💖
If you haven’t grabbed your ticket yet, now’s the time — seats are almost gone!
When: Thursday, June 26th at 7-9am
📍Hotel Julien Dubuque
Ticket available here- https://FYC.givesmart.com
#FillingYourCup #OpeningDoorsDBQ #MyCupRunnethOver #InspirationMorning #KeynoteSpeaker #JasmineSpeaks #WomenSupportingWomen #EmpowermentEvent
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.