ST. HELENS, Ore. -- The community of St. Helens is pulling together to save a building they say plays an integral part of helping victims of abuse in Columbia County.

The "Starting Over" thrift store in St. Helens does much more than just sell used stuff. All of the profits go toward helping abused women and children in Columbia County.

Up until two months ago, the store’s adjacent warehouse was major part of that.

The city of St. Helens came out to the store for a routine inspection of the warehouse after our big storm last winter and decided it just wasn't safe, said Jessica Halberg, Executive Director of the Columbia County Women’s Resource Center which operates the “Starting Over” thrift store.

The warehouse was closed to the public.

"As you can see, that post is completely off that footing. The rebar is hanging out," she said.

"The city of St. Helens contacted us and told us we had to make these repairs. We completely understand for the safety issues why we need to do that. However, it is devastating," said Halberg.

Devastating, she said, because the organization relies on the 3500 square feet of space in the building for its sales.

The warehouse was used to house the larger items like furniture. Without the warehouse, Halberd said the organization is losing almost a thousand dollars every month.

"That's a significant chunk [of money] to an organization like ours," she said. "People come here everyday and are very upset because the warehouse is unavailable to them."

Also a significant “chunk” of change is the nearly $60,000 needed to fix the building.

Shopper Susan Strong hopes the community pulls together to save the space...which ultimately benefits abuse victims who really are, “starting over.”

"They need that warehouse. That's where all of their furniture is and the higher priced items," said Strong.

Strong is a former abuse victim, herself and she is known as one of the most loyal customers in the store.

"Columbia County needs this. Portland's a long ways away," said Strong. “It’s a good cause, it's a worthy cause and it needs to be helped," she added.

If you'd like to help the Columbia County Women's Resource Center and the "Starting Over" thrift store, call: (503) 397-7110 or check NoExcuse4Abuse.com