Opening Doors is a community service organization initiated by six Catholic women's religious congregations in the Dubuque area. It was founded to assist women needing emergency/transitional housing for reasons other than domestic violence. Opening Doors offers hospitality and opportunity for approximately 18 residents at Maria House and up to 28 women and children per night at Teresa Shelter. Opening Doors values the dignity of women and supports them in claiming their own power and in making the choices appropriate for developing personal responsibility to live independently in permanent housing. Opening Doors achieves its mission by working collaboratively with other community resources.

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.

Values
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