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.

Teresa
Shelter

Emergency and Extended Stay Programs

Maria
House

Transitional Houseing for up to two years

Francis Apartments

Income-based affordable housing

Upcoming Events

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Today

Great Give Day

Opening Doors Dubuque 2100 Asbury Road, Dubuque, IA, United States

The Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque is excited to present Great Give Day, our annual online giving event to connect nonprofits and donors across our seven-county region (Allamakee, Clayton, Clinton, […]

Filling Your Cup

Hotel Julien 200 Main St, Dubuque, IA, United States

Sponsorship 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 States

Mark 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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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!

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You can’t pour from an empty cup..

At Opening Doors, our advocates, volunteers, and supporters pour so much love into the lives of women in our community. Now, it’s your turn to be celebrated.

Join us for Filling Your Cup — a special event designed to refresh your spirit, nourish your soul, and honor the incredible community that makes our mission possible. 

🌟 Connect with inspiring women who share your passion for lifting others up
🌟 Enjoy self-care activities that are all about you
🌟 Hear stories of how your support is changing lives every day
🌟 Be inspired by our keynote speaker, @carpediemjbs 

Date: June 26th 
 Location: Hotel Julien 
Time: 7am-9:30am

This event is our thank you — a moment to recognize the impact you make and to refill your cup with the same hope and encouragement you give so freely. 💕

Seats are limited — link in bio to snag a ticket! 

#FillingYourCup #OpeningDoorsDBQ #CelebrateAdvocates #SelfCareMatters #CommunityOfHope #ThankYou
We had a heartwarming visit from one of our previous resident families, and it was an absolute joy to see them again! It’s moments like these that remind us of the strong bonds we form as we support and uplift one another.

At Opening Doors, we believe in the power of community and fostering lasting connections. Our doors are always open for our extended family—past, present, and future—because together, we are stronger.

#OpeningDoorsDBQ #FamilyTies #LoveAndSupport #CommunityUnity #StrongerTogether
At Opening Doors, compassion means meeting each woman exactly where she is—with understanding, patience, and love. We listen without judgment and walk beside her as she builds a new beginning.

But compassion doesn’t stand alone. It inspires and strengthens our other core values:

💪 Empowerment – We help women rediscover their strength and take charge of their future.
🌱 Opportunity – We open doors to housing, healing, and hope.
🤝 Community – We build relationships that remind every person they are not alone.
🌍 Inclusiveness – We welcome everyone with open hearts and open minds.

When compassion leads the way, lives are changed. Thank you for walking with us on this journey of hope and healing.

#OpeningDoorsDBQ #CompassionInAction #Empowerment #Community #Opportunity #Inclusiveness #DubuqueCares
THANK YOU, @yappersdbq & @dbqfoundation 💛

We are so grateful to our local YAPPERS Group for their generous support of our Barrier Breakers: Transportation Program at Opening Doors!

Every day, the women in our programs face obstacles on their journey to healing and independence. Reliable transportation is a crucial lifeline that helps them access employment, childcare, education, and vital services — all building blocks for a sustainable future.

Your support helps us continue breaking down barriers and building up lives. Thank you for being a part of this advocacy work and for believing in our mission to create healing, hope, and home.

About YAPPERS: These inspiring Dubuque high school students are learning the power of generosity and philanthropy. Through leadership, teamwork, and service, they’re making a real impact in our community — and we are honored to be part of their journey. 💫

#ThankYouYAPPERS #BarrierBreakers #OpeningDoorsDBQ #YouthLeadership #HealingHopeHome #CommunitySupport #TransportationMatters

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.