Catholic School Principal Spends the Night Outside in a Box To Raise Awareness on Homeless Youth

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Currents News Staff

The principal of Immaculate Conception Catholic Academy in Jamaica Estates experienced what it’s like to be homeless for one night. Dori Breen slept outside in a cardboard box to raise money for Covenant House – an organization that cares for homeless youth.

Her pre-k students helped paint the box, which leaked, forcing Dori to sleep in a puddle. She says she only got a few hours sleep, but she has no regrets: 

“It really brought to light to me what people go through, especially children,” Dori said. “And of course, being an educator, children are the best we have. To have them experience what I did last night, I would have rather it been that way – wet and cold – as opposed to sunny and warm because it wouldn’t have resonated with me.”

The students raised around $500 dollars on Veterans Day for Covenant House. Dori plans to participate in a sleep-out every year. Next year, she hopes a group of her teachers can join her.