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.
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This week, we had the incredible opportunity to stock the shelves at the Teresa Shelter thanks to the donation drive led by the students and families at St. Columbkille School - Holy Family Catholic Schools (Official) Because of their generosity, our shelves are filled with essential items that will directly support the women and their children we serve every day. This year’s donation drive is a powerful example of what happens when a community comes together with purpose. These gifts do more than meet basic needs—they provide comfort, dignity, and a sense of care during a time of transition. To the students, families, and staff at St. Columbkille—thank you for your continued support and for making this year’s drive such a success. #OpeningDoorsDBQ #CommunitySupport #Gratitude #Dubuque #GiveBack
Huge shoutout to the Errand Boys! At the very last minute, they stepped in and VOLUNTEERED their time to help our team move furniture out of two offices so we can make more room to grow. Their willingness to jump in, work hard, and support our mission makes all the difference. We’re so grateful for their teamwork, positivity, and “get it done” spirit. They truly are awesome and we couldn’t have done it without them. Thank you!
As we continue to celebrate Women’s History Month, we’re honored to share the voices behind the scenes, the women who help lead, advocate, and show up with heart for the mission of Opening Doors. Today we’re proud to highlight Board Member Katie McClain with Dupaco Community Credit Union and the powerful “why” behind her service: “My ‘why’ for serving with Opening Doors is simple, I believe every woman and her children deserve a warm hug, a safe space, and someone who truly sees them and believes in their future. That’s what Opening Doors does.” Katie shares that her own experiences have shaped her deep sense of gratitude and responsibility. “I’ve been fortunate to have a home, a safe place, and strong women surrounding me. I know that’s a blessing- one I don’t take lightly. And I also know many women in our community haven’t had that same support.” That perspective fuels her commitment to give back. “If I can lend a hand, use my voice, or show up with my time and my heart- I will.” Because the impact reaches far beyond one person. “Helping a woman find hope, healing, and a place to call home isn’t just changing her life — it shapes how her children and others see her strength and courage.” This is the kind of impact that creates lasting change. Empowering women. Changing lives. Thank you Katie!
✨ What a way to kick off 2026 ✨ We’re carrying incredible momentum into the new year, and we’re not slowing down anytime soon! Just this past week, we have been busy: • Welcoming more community members through our doors for tours and meaningful conversations • Connecting with partners like ITC Midwest, sharing a virtual tour, and receiving amazing in-kind donations • Loading up vehicles with essential items to keep our programs running strong! • Celebrating both the big and small wins alongside the women we serve 💛 • Preparing for our Spring Appeal, where we’ll share April’s powerful story of resilience and hope Every moment, every connection, and every act of generosity is helping create pathways to healing, hope, and home. 👉 Want to be part of the impact? Schedule a tour, donate, or help us spread the word. #OpeningDoorsDBQ #HealingHopeHome #CommunityImpact #SpringMomentum #NonprofitLife
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.