A Disciple's Dream Thrift Store in Columbia

What A Disciple's Dream offers and where to find it

A Disciple's Dream is a thrift store in Columbia run by the Midlands Poverty Initiative, a nonprofit focused on community support and job training. The store sits at 2015 Devine Street in the Five Points neighborhood, a central location with street parking and nearby bus routes. You'll find clothing, furniture, books, household goods, and seasonal items at prices well below retail—most pieces cost between a dollar and twenty dollars.

The store operates as both a retail space and a training ground. Staff members and volunteers often include people working through the Midlands Poverty Initiative's employment programs, so shopping here directly supports job readiness training in the community. The nonprofit uses proceeds to fund its broader work in housing, financial literacy, and workforce development across Richland County.

Key Takeaways

• A Disciple's Dream is located at 2015 Devine Street in Columbia's Five Points neighborhood and carries clothing, furniture, books, and household goods.
• The store is operated by the Midlands Poverty Initiative, a nonprofit that uses thrift sales to fund community programs and job training.
• Shopping at A Disciple's Dream supports employment training for people working toward economic stability in the Midlands region.
• Hours and inventory change seasonally, so calling ahead or checking their social media pages helps you plan your visit.

What you're likely to find on the racks and shelves

Clothing inventory rotates constantly and includes men's, women's, and children's items in all sizes. You'll typically see jeans, work pants, button-ups, and seasonal wear—winter coats in fall and lighter layers in spring. The furniture section varies week to week; recent donations might include dressers, tables, chairs, or bookshelves, though larger pieces sell quickly and availability is never may provide.

The book section draws regular customers looking for fiction, nonfiction, and reference materials at fifty cents to two dollars per book. Household goods—dishes, glassware, kitchen tools, bedding, and decorative items—fill shelves near the front. Seasonal sections appear around holidays; around Christmas you might find ornaments, lights, and gift items, while summer brings outdoor and garden goods.

How prices compare and what affects what you'll pay

Most items at A Disciple's Dream cost less than you'd pay at other thrift chains in the Columbia area. A pair of jeans typically runs three to five dollars, a sweater two to four dollars, and a hardcover book under two dollars. Furniture prices depend on condition and size—a wooden chair might be five to eight dollars, while a dresser could range from fifteen to thirty dollars. Designer labels and vintage finds occasionally appear and may be priced slightly higher, but still well below original retail.

Prices stay low because the store's mission is affordability and community access, not profit maximization. The Midlands Poverty Initiative sets pricing to keep goods within reach for people on tight budgets while generating enough revenue to support their programs. Seasonal sales and clearance sections sometimes offer additional discounts on overstocked items.

Visiting in person: hours, parking, and what to expect

The store operates from the Devine Street location in Five Points, an area with street parking and pedestrian access. Hours vary by season and staffing, so it's worth calling ahead or checking the Midlands Poverty Initiative's website or social media pages before you go. The neighborhood itself is walkable, with other shops and restaurants nearby if you want to make an afternoon of it.

Inside, the store is organized by category but not always in strict sections—browsing is part of the experience. Staff members are usually available to answer questions about items or the nonprofit's mission. The fitting room is small, so expect a short wait during busy times. Checkout is straightforward, and the store accepts cash and card payments.

Supporting the Midlands Poverty Initiative through your purchase

Every dollar you spend at A Disciple's Dream funds the Midlands Poverty Initiative's work in workforce development, financial literacy classes, and housing support across Richland County. The nonprofit uses thrift revenue to pay staff wages—including wages for people in their job training programs—and to keep other services free or low-cost for people who need them.

If you're interested in the nonprofit's broader mission, you can also donate items to the store, volunteer, or learn about their other programs through their main office. The organization publishes information about their employment training, financial coaching, and community partnerships on their website and social media channels.

Donating items and volunteering

A Disciple's Dream accepts donations of clothing, furniture, books, and household goods in clean, usable condition. You can drop off donations during store hours at the Devine Street location. The store does not accept items that are stained, broken, or unsafe—donations are screened to ensure quality and safety for shoppers.

The Midlands Poverty Initiative also welcomes volunteers for sorting, pricing, stocking shelves, and cashier work. Volunteering at the thrift store is one way to support the nonprofit's mission while getting to know the community. You can inquire about volunteer opportunities by speaking with staff during a visit or contacting the organization directly through their website.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the store hours?

Hours vary by season and staffing needs. Call the store or check the Midlands Poverty Initiative's website and social media pages for current hours before you visit. This helps you avoid a trip when the store might be closed for training or special events.

Do you accept donations of furniture?

Yes, A Disciple's Dream accepts furniture donations in clean, usable condition. Drop off donations during store hours at 2015 Devine Street. The store screens all donations to ensure items are safe and in good repair before they go on the sales floor.

Can I find specific items like work clothes or professional wear?

The store carries a mix of casual and work-appropriate clothing, though inventory changes constantly. If you're looking for specific items like work pants or business casual pieces, visiting regularly or calling ahead gives you the best chance of finding what you need.

Is there parking nearby?

Yes, street parking is available on Devine Street and nearby residential streets in Five Points. The location is also accessible by public transit—check COMET bus routes that serve the Five Points neighborhood.

What payment methods do you accept?

A Disciple's Dream accepts both cash and card payments at checkout. No special membership or registration is required to shop.