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
Great Give Day
Opening Doors Dubuque 2100 Asbury Road, Dubuque, IA, United StatesThe 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 StatesWe 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. Meet Jasmine Brett Stringer! Jasmine […]
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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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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A Night of Inspiration with the Women's Giving Circle- Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque
Last night, we had the honor of gathering with an incredible group of women at the Sip & Learn event hosted by the Women's Giving Circle. It was an evening filled with connection, impact, and the power of philanthropy in action.
Bobbi Earles shared insightful updates and numbers showcasing the waves being made in our community, alongside Megan Ruiz and Angela Boelens, who spoke about their experiences as previous grant winners. Their stories highlighted the real difference being made through collective giving.
Opening Doors Dubuque is grateful for the opportunity to be in the room with such passionate changemakers and to learn more about the transformative work happening in Dubuque. Thank you to the Women’s Giving Circle for hosting such an inspiring event! 💜 #PhilanthropyInAction #WomensGivingCircle #CommunityImpact
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🌍💜 Celebrating International Women’s Day with a Trailblazer! 💜🌍
Today, on #InternationalWomensDay, we honor the incredible women who have shaped and supported Opening Doors from the very beginning. We’re especially celebrating Sister Mary McCauley, BVM—one of our original board members and a true advocate for women in our community.
Mary’s dedication to empowering women and fostering change has left a lasting impact on Opening Doors and the lives of so many. Her leadership and compassion continue to inspire us as we work toward a future where all women have the opportunity to thrive.
Join us in celebrating Sister Mary and all the strong, resilient women who make a difference every day!
🎥 @kodiak_creative
#IWD2025 #OpeningDoorsDBQ #WomenEmpowerment #Trailblazer #CelebrateWomen
🏡🌟 Honoring Our Past, Empowering Our Future: Celebrating the Women of Opening Doors
As we continue our mission to provide hope, healing, and home for women and families in need, we pause to recognize and honor the remarkable women who have shaped the path of Opening Doors. Their resilience, strength, and dedication have allowed us to create lasting change in our community.
These trailblazers have not only paved the way for those who came after them but have also set the foundation for the work we do today and will continue to do in the future. They are a testament to the power of compassion and determination in overcoming adversity.
Let us celebrate the achievements of these women and remember that their legacies live on through the countless lives they’ve touched. In honoring our past, we recommit ourselves to the mission of Opening Doors and strive to carry on the incredible work of those who came before us.
Together, we can build a brighter, more inclusive future, where every woman and child has the support they need to thrive.
#OpeningDoorsDubuque #HonoringOurPast #EmpoweringWomen #StrongerTogether #CommunityLegacy
112% Increase in Bed Nights Since 2021
At Opening Doors Dubuque, we have witnessed a staggering increase in bed nights since 2021, highlighting the urgent need for shelter and services for women and children experiencing homelessness in our community. As the demand for our programs continues to grow, we need your help more than ever to ensure we can provide the vital support and resources that so many rely on.
Your contributions, no matter how big or small, make a significant impact in the lives of those we serve. Here’s how you can help us grow our mission and create a more sustainable future:
* Donate directly on our website (link in bio)
* Volunteer your time and skills at our facilities
* Spread awareness about the critical need for homeless services
Together, we can make a difference and ensure that every woman and child in our community has a safe and supportive environment to rebuild their lives. Thank you for standing with us in the fight against homelessness. Together we can create healing, hope and home. 🏠
#OpeningDoorsDubuque #EndHomelessness #CommunitySupport #ShelterAndServices #StrongerTogether
🍸💚 Cocktails for a Cause: Sip, Support, and Make a Difference at @thevaultdubuque
This month, @openingdoorsdubuque is thrilled to partner with The Vault for Cocktails for a Cause, featuring the delightful Green Dublin cocktail. For every Green Dublin sold, $1 will be donated to Opening Doors, directly supporting women and children experiencing homelessness in Dubuque.
Make your next night out even more meaningful by stopping by The Vault, indulging in a delicious cocktail, and contributing to a fantastic cause. Cheers to the power of community and making a difference, one sip at a time!
#CocktailsForACause #TheVault #GreenDublin #OpeningDoorsDBQ #SupportLocal #SipForGood
Shop for a Cause: Exciting Launch of the Opening Doors Online Store!
We’re thrilled to announce our new online store collaboration with @district20supplyco , offering stylish gear that gives back to our Opening Doors community! For every purchase made, $4 will be donated to support our mission of providing hope, healing, and home to women and families in need.
The store is open until March 17th, so don’t miss your chance to snag some fantastic merchandise and make a difference in the lives of others. Here’s how you can show your support:
1. Visit our online store (link in bio)
2. Browse through an amazing selection of apparel
3. Make a purchase, and $4 will be donated to Opening Doors
4. Wear your gear with pride, knowing you’re advocating for a great cause!
Together, we can create a brighter future for those we serve. Happy shopping, and thank you for your continued support!
Designs by @adele.herman
#OpeningDoorsxDistrict20 #ShopForACause #GiveBack #AdvocateTogether #CommunitySupport
We are so excited to give you a glimpse into our special video series for Women’s History Month, honoring some of the incredible women who have helped shape Opening Doors into what it is today. 💜
Stay tuned as we share their powerful stories—celebrating the love, resilience, and unwavering dedication that continue to fuel our mission of Healing, Hope, and Home. 🏡✨
🎥 @kodiak_creative
#WomensHistoryMonth #OpeningDoorsDBQ #HealingHopeHome #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.