Opening Doors serves women and children who are experiencing homelessness. All of the women served start their journey to self-sufficiency at Teresa Shelter, their largest program and the ONLY shelter in the area that provides safe housing with services for women WITH children. This shelter is staffed 24/7 with three full- and 11 part-time staff. Staff is our most vital resource for the women and children that we serve. Upon entry, women and children are immediately welcomed in a supportive environment and are provided with basic needs such as food, clothing, and medical needs along with safe housing. Clients meet with a case manager and receive referrals to collaborating resources for treatment, child care and family intervention. Emergency shelter is available for up to 30 days with an opportunity for an extended stay of up to one year in supportive and permanent housing. The goal of the individualized case management is to provide residents with the support they need to gain knowledge and skills that will allow them to live independently and be self-sufficient. Opening Doors recognizes that every woman is facing different barriers and strives to provide individualized guidance and advocacy. This grant will provide basic supplies for emergency shelter, financial literacy workbooks, case manager support, and transportation needs for the residents.
