Prism Thrift

The LGBTQ+ community is facing increasing risks, with political and cultural hostilities on the rise. Trans and non-binary individuals are being targeted through discriminatory legislation and violence, and federal funding for LGBTQ+ programs is shrinking, leaving many community organizations financially vulnerable. The need for safe and affirming spaces has never been more critical.

While serving the LGBTQ+ community, we also meet the needs of other underserved populations. Until Prism, downtown Lancaster lacked a dedicated thrift store and affordable clothing options. With 15% of Lancaster City’s population living below the poverty line and 14% without access to a vehicle, our downtown location is vital, ensuring affordability and accessibility for all Lancastrians.

Additionally, fast fashion contributes millions of pounds of clothing to landfills annually. By promoting secondhand shopping and creative reuse, Prism helps extend the life of garments, reducing waste and the demand for new clothing production. We currently divert nearly 1,000 items from landfills each month through resale, mending, and re-donating to partner organizations and their free closets. As we grow, so does our impact on the environment. Prism Thrift addresses these challenges by:

-Providing a safe, accessible shopping experience for LGBTQ+ individuals and allies.

-Serving as a sustainable funding source for local LGBTQ+ organizations through direct financial contributions.

-Combating the environmental harm of fast fashion by reducing textile waste through resale, mending, and upcycling.

Prism is a nonprofit social enterprise thrift store and community space dedicated to self-expression, sustainability, and joy. We provide affordable access to slow fashion while empowering individuals to develop personal style as a means of sustainability. We believe that when you love your wardrobe, you care for it. Through workshops and resources, we revive lost skills like mending, upcycling, and DIY fashion, fostering creativity and resilience. Above all, we create a safe, affirming, and inspirational shopping experience for the LGBTQ+ community and our allies, where everyone can shine.