Bob Dalton
Bob is an entrepreneur, podcast host, TEDx speaker, author, and the founder/CEO of Sackcloth & Ashes. The company’s mission is to donate a blanket to a local homeless shelter for every blanket purchased, and with a recent goal of donating one million by 2024.
Can you share how your mother’s experience with homelessness inspired you to start Sackcloth & Ashes?
In 2013, my mother experienced homelessness. This experience changed my perception of homelessness, as I realized that hardworking individuals could also find themselves in such circumstances. I reached out to local homeless shelters to inquire about their needs, and they all mentioned the need for blankets. That’s when I came up with the idea for Sackcloth & Ashes: for every blanket we sell, we donate one to a local homeless shelter.
What is the meaning behind the name Sackcloth & Ashes?
The name Sackcloth & Ashes is derived from ancient Jewish symbolism representing “mourning and repentance.” The name signifies the act of wrapping oneself in a Sackcloth & Ashes blanket as a symbol of mourning for the homeless population and repentance through supporting a local shelter.
How long has Sackcloth & Ashes partnered with Denver Rescue Mission?
Sackcloth & Ashes has partnered with the Mission for approximately four years. The Mission has been instrumental in facilitating events where Sackcloth can invite local corporate partners to volunteer and learn more about the Mission’s work. One memorable moment was when we hosted a blanket drop in 2018 in partnership with the executive team from World Market.
This post is part of October’s Changing Lives Newsletter. This month, we’re sharing the story of three peer leaders, Abel, Rodney and Tommy, in: Looking Up.
