Providing for the human needs of seafarers

seafarersTransport360pxWhen Seamen’s Church Institute (SCI) welcomes merchant mariners to the Delaware Valley, we learn about the problems these individuals are facing and tap a number of resources to meet their needs.

The challenges most ship workers have in common are:

  • Physical, emotional, and spiritual isolation.
  • Communications
  • Need for warm clothes and other personal necessities.

As needed, SCI also provides:

  • Counseling, companionship, support during difficult times
  • Worship services and Bible study, either on shore or on ship.
  • Group meals and holiday celebrations.
  • Ditty bags full of toiletries and other necessities. (Now accepting product donations and volunteer help with ditty bags. Please contact us to let us know of your interest.)
  • Escorts and visits to the hospital.
  • Advocacy and intervention to promote social justice and fair labor practices.
  • Free, roundtrip van service to area stores, the SCI Seafarer Center, sporting events, sightseeing tours, and Sunday worship services
  • Educational materials to help seafarers understand U.S. law and cultural differences