Opening Doors is the nonprofit organization that operates Teresa Shelter, Maria House and a supportive housing program at Francis Apartments. Homeless women, alone or with children, come to us to help rebuild their lives. We provide goal setting and life skills training that will enable them to take care of themselves and achieve their full potential. Women are dependent when they come in…independent when they leave.
FAQs
In the fall of 1997, a member of the Dubuque City Council recognized the need for emergency and transitional housing for women and children. This need was brought to the attention of six Catholic women’s religious communities who committed seed money for the project. For more information, visit our History page.
Opening Doors was incorporated on June 18, 1999, and became a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt charitable organization.
52: Maria House has a capacity of up to 18 women and children and Teresa Shelter has 34 available beds. Opening Doors has 8 of the 12 units at Francis Apartments for clients of our program.
Mission Statement: Opening Doors offers hospitality and opportunity to women, alone or with children, who need emergency/transitional housing and related support services.
Vision: In collaboration with existing community resources and services, our vision is to offer a variety of opportunities for women to affirm their dignity and to achieve their potential for independent living in an environment that will benefit the neighborhood.
Compassion– To demonstrate a caring concern for each person
Respect – To treat each person with dignity
Affirmation – To invite and encourage personal development
Hospitality – To offer a welcoming environment
Since 2000 Maria House has provided transitional housing, where residents can stay for as long as two years. In 2006, we opened Teresa Shelter. It offers short-term emergency shelter services and an extended stay program, where woman can stay for up to one year. Our permanent supportive housing program opened in 2017 at Francis Apartments offering income-based affordable housing coupled with supportive services.
No. There are several other excellent programs that have some commonalities with the programs offered by Opening Doors, but none that offer the same services.
- Hillcrest Transitional Apartment program has five apartments. Families, including men, can live for up to two years in a temporary, supported housing program.
- Manasseh House and Salvia House offer permanent housing for single women, with support services.
- The Domestic Violence Shelter operated by the Dubuque Community Y operates a shelter for women who are currently experiencing an abusive situation. Opening Doors does not provide the safe house environment required for this population. However, women sometimes move to Maria House or Teresa Shelter after they have completed their 60-day maximum stay at the Domestic Violence Shelter.
- Mary’s Inn is a maternity home for single, expectant mothers.
Yes. Opening Doors is very grateful for the support it receives from the United Way, which amounts to about 3 percent of our annual budget.
Donations: 64%
Grants: 20%
United Way: 3%
Special Events: 13%
Program Fees: <1%
- Volunteer: Email [email protected] or visit our Volunteer page
- Donate: your tax-deductible cash donation would be greatly appreciated! Make an online donation.
- Wish List Donation: Visit our Wish List page for a list of items that are needed at Maria House and Teresa Shelter.
- February 9, 2023: “Trivia Bowl” event at Grand River Center. Tailgate party and 10 rounds of Trivia. – More Information
- June 29, 2023: “Filling Your Cup” uplifting breakfast event with speaker – Sponsor, or come as a guest – More Information
- November 18, 2023: “Attitude of Gratitude” fall dinner & auction – Volunteer, sponsor, or come as a guest – More Information
- Fundraisers – Host a Wish List community fundraiser! Contact Ann Lorenz at 563-582-7480, or email [email protected]://openingdoorsdbq.org/aog/, for more information.