By Josh Mitchell/Informer Publisher

A new thrift store that will benefit a domestic violence shelter is scheduled to open in the former AutoZone building in Downtown Columbia in the next couple of weeks.

Proceeds from the thrift store will go to the WINGS domestic violence shelter in McComb. WINGS, which stands for Women in Need of God’s Shelter, serves seven counties, including Marion.

The thrift store, located on Broad Street, is in the process of being painted, and when it opens will sell furniture, clothes, shoes and other items.

The thrift store will also have an office where counseling will be offered to women and children who are victims of domestic violence, according to Director Jean Spring, who hopes to educate the community more about spousal abuse.

“I intend to get out in the community and see who’s interested in domestic violence,” she said.

Spring said some men use the Bible to justify domestic violence by pointing to a scripture that says a woman must be submissive to man. Therefore, Spring said she would like to engage local pastors more in domestic violence education.

The thrift store proceeds will also go toward helping elderly pay for their medications, and furniture and clothing will be donated to house fire victims, Spring said.

The thrift store will pick up items five days a week from those who wish to donate. To schedule a pickup call Spring at (601) 551-2330. She said the thrift store will only accept items that are “gently used.”

She is glad to be offering the services in Marion County, saying Mississippi ranks No. 2 in the nation for the domestic violence.

WINGS operates under the umbrella of Southwest Mississippi Christian Ministries, a non-profit organization founded by Spring. Spring said that the WINGS shelter in McComb currently has 18 beds, but she is in the process of trying to obtain a grant to add 82 more beds.

The shelter was started in 2009, and two psychiatrists and four licensed mental health social workers volunteer at the facility, said Spring. In the future, she hopes to have other volunteers including court advocates, housing authority officials and Department of Human Services employees.

Spring said she has introduced herself to Marion County law enforcement to let them know about the services she offers. A hotline is always available to victims of domestic violence by calling (601) 684-9111.

The other counties WINGS serves are Franklin, Amite, Walthall, Pike, Lincoln and Lawrence. Other than the thrift store in Marion County, the only other one in the seven-county region is in McComb, but Spring hopes to open one in each county.

The proceeds from the stores will provide much-needed funding, she said, adding that it costs a “fortune” to run a domestic violence shelter.