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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Women’s History Month Spotlight: Mira Mosle @bvmsisters
At Opening Doors, we are honored to continue celebrating the incredible women who have shaped our mission. Today, we recognize Mira Mosle, BVM, a dedicated community advocate and Board Secretary/Treasurer, representing the Sisters of Charity, BVM.
For over seven years, Mira has been a steadfast supporter, helping to guide our organization with wisdom, compassion, and commitment. The religious sisters in our community have been a driving force behind our mission—offering financial, emotional, and physical support from every angle.
We are deeply grateful for the women who have paved the way for us, shaping the foundation of Opening Doors and making a lasting impact on the lives of the women and children we serve. ❤️
Join us in celebrating Mira and all the incredible women making a difference!
🎥 @kodiak_creative
#WomensHistoryMonth #OpeningDoorsDBQ #CommunityAdvocate #WomenWhoInspire #dubuquenonprofit #homelesswomenandchildren #dubuquehomelesshelter
A Story of Hope: Tiffany’s Journey
“The day I walked into Opening Doors changed my life. I was scared at first, not knowing what was to come. Being at the Teresa Shelter was a life-changing experience. Not only was I able to get clean, but I was also able to bring my son home. The future looks brighter today than it ever has, and I thank the wonderful people at Opening Doors who continue to help and support us in our time of need.”
At Opening Doors, we are honored to walk alongside strong women like Tiffany as they rebuild their lives. Your support makes stories like hers possible. 💛
#OpeningDoors #Hope #NewBeginnings #SupportMatters
💚🎉 Feeling the Love: @kwikstopdq Kwik Care Contribution and Community Support
We were overjoyed and grateful as the Kwik Stop team presented us with the February Kwik Care contribution. Thank you, Kwik Stop, for your unwavering dedication to our community and for taking the time to visit our shelter. Your commitment to advocating for our mission year after year is truly appreciated—we couldn’t do it without you, our monthly donors, staff, and volunteers!
A special thank you to Allie Kutsch from the @cityofdubuque for joining us and advocating for Section 8 housing. Your presence and support are invaluable in raising awareness and finding solutions for the unhoused women and children in our community.
Together, we continue to make strides in providing healing, hope, and home to those who need it most. Your ongoing support and partnership make all the difference.
#KwikCare #CommunityPartners #DubuqueUnited #EmpowermentThroughCollaboration #HealingHopeHome
🚨 Last Chance to Shop for a Cause! 🚨
Today is the final day to grab exclusive Opening Doors gear from our online store! $4 from every purchase supports our mission of providing hope, healing, and home to women and families in need. ❤️🏡
How to Support:
✔ Shop our online store (link in bio!)
✔ Pick your favorite gear
✔ $4 per item goes to Opening Doors
✔ Wear it proudly & spread the word!
Store closes TONIGHT, March 17th—don’t miss out!
Thank you for making a difference!
#ShopForACause #OpeningDoors #GiveBack #LastChance
A huge THANK YOU to Bryant Elementary School - @dubuqueschools and their amazing community for raising $1,136.17 and donating multiple boxes of high-demand products to Opening Doors, Almost Home, and Dubuque Y Crisis Services! 💙
We are incredibly grateful for the generosity and compassion of these young leaders who are making a difference in our community. Their kindness and hard work will directly support individuals in need, proving that even the smallest hands can make a BIG impact!
We are #DBQSchoolsProud to witness students taking initiative to give back to the community that gives so much to them! 👏✨
#ThankYou #CommunitySupport #OpeningDoorsDBQ #GivingBack #nonprofitorganization #homelessshelter #womencommunity
🏡🌱 Opening Doors Dubuque: Empowering Sustainable Living & Growth for Women and Children
At Opening Doors Dubuque, our commitment to serving homeless women and children extends far beyond providing a safe place to sleep. We’re dedicated to empowering our residents to achieve sustainable living and long-term growth through our transformative programs and the tireless efforts of our staff.
Our comprehensive approach includes:
* Emergency shelter and basic necessities
* Individualized case management
* Life-skills training and workshops
* Career development and education support
* Mental health services
* Transitional housing assistance
By focusing on the unique needs and goals of each resident, we’re not only offering immediate relief but also equipping them with the tools and resources to break the cycle of homelessness and build brighter futures.
Your support makes this life-changing work possible. Thank you for standing with Opening Door as we empower women and children on their journey to sustainable independence.
#OpeningDoorsDubuque #EmpoweringWomen #SustainableLiving #BreakingTheCycle #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.