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
Sisters of Charity, BVM
Sisters of St. Francis
Sisters of the Presentation and Visitation
John Deere
Portzen Construction
Municipal Well & Pump
Hirschbach Motor Lines
Verena Street Coffee Roasters
Lime Rock Springs Co.
Flynn Family Foundation
A.Y. McDonald Mfg. Co.
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
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
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Donation Request!! Our shelves are running low, and we could use your help supporting the women and their children at Opening Doors. We are currently accepting donations of the following needed items: https://a.co/07E9DyVu Clothing Needs: • Women’s underwear: sizes Small & Medium • Sports bras: sizes Small–5XL • Sweatpants: sizes XL–5XL • T-shirts: sizes 2XL–5XL Cleaning Supplies: • Floor cleaner • Multi-purpose cleaner/wipes • Hand soap • Disinfectant spray • Paper towels • Garbage bags Hygiene Supplies: • Deodorant • Shampoo & conditioner • Lotion Amazing Wish List link - https://a.co/07E9DyVu Every donation helps provide comfort, dignity, and care for women and children working toward stability and healing. Donations can be dropped off at Teresa Shelter : 1111 Bluff Street Dubuque, IA 52001
It's here! Our Summer Newsletter is officially hitting mailboxes this week and next and we can’t wait to share what we’ve been up to, where we’re going, and the impact we’re making in the community. From resident success stories and program updates to upcoming events, partnerships, and exciting initiatives ahead, this edition is filled with moments of healing, hope, and home. Be sure to check your mailbox and follow along as we continue empowering women and their children in our community. 💛 #OpeningDoorsDBQ #HealingHopeHome #SummerNewsletter #CommunityImpact
Last week, we wrapped up another round of tours at the Teresa Shelter, and once again, we were reminded just how powerful these experiences can be. Tours do more than show our space, they build awareness, break down misconceptions about homelessness, and turn community members into informed advocates for change. When we open our doors, we create opportunities for understanding, connection, and collaboration. Every conversation helps deepen our community’s knowledge of the challenges women and their children face and the solutions that can make a lasting difference. Thank you to everyone who took the time to learn more about our mission and the work happening every day at Opening Doors. Curious on how to take a tour? Email [email protected] to learn more. #OpeningDoorsDubuque #CommunityImpact #EndHomelessness #Dubuque #AdvocacyInAction StrongerTogether
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.