“Imagine being away for nearly every major family event” That is the reality for many seafarers. The Mission to Seafarers in Seattle offers vital support to these often-overlooked workers.
The Mission to Seafarers is an affiliate of the international Mission to Seafarers organization. It provides essential services to over 50000 seafarers who visit the Port of Seattle annually. These services range from communication support to humanitarian aid and faith-based services. The Mission to Seafarers also offers simple companionship.
The Seattle Seafarers Center is a welcoming space. It features a lounge, computer lab, community garden, kitchen, and chapel. This center offers a home away from home for seafarers. It is an ecumenical partnership. The Catholic Archdiocese of Seattle, the Episcopal Diocese of Olympia, and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America are all stakeholders. This unified ministry is rare. It stands as a model for port missions everywhere.
Life at sea can be dangerous and lonely. Seafarers are often separated from their families for extended periods. Contracts may last up to nine months or more. This isolation can make them vulnerable. The Mission to Seafarers recognizes these challenges. It offers a warm smile and practical assistance to travelers from many nations and faiths.
Communication is key for seafarers. The Mission to Seafarers provides WIFI on board ships. This helps those who lack visas and cannot go ashore. They also offer phone cards. This enables seafarers to connect with loved ones.
Transportation is another crucial service. The Mission to Seafarers takes seafarers to shopping destinations. Ross Dress for Less, Best Buy, and Target are popular choices. They also provide transport to downtown Seattle for meals. These outings offer a break from life at sea.
Human contact is essential. The Mission to Seafarers offers a warm welcome. Staff and volunteers provide directions. They help seafarers wire money home. They also pray with them. They share their joys and sorrows.
Each Christmas, the Mission to Seafarers provides a “ditty bag.” This is a shoe bag-sized offering of toiletries, candy, and a hand-knitted stocking cap. It also contains “God’s Love.” About 1500 seafarers in Seattle receive these gifts each year.
Volunteers are the heart of the Mission to Seafarers. They operate the safe and inexpensive shuttle service. They also pack ditty bags. Knitting and sewing groups from around the Sound donate items. This outpouring of support is heartwarming.
The community garden is another unique aspect. In 2015, it produced over 500lbs of produce. This was donated to visiting seafarers and area food shelves.
In 2015, the Mission to Seafarers achieved significant milestones. Over 7000 seafarers used portable WIFI hotspots to communicate with loved ones. They visited more than 330 ships. They hosted a thousand seafarers at their center. They provided transport to over 12000 merchant seamen and cruise ship crew. These individuals came from over 100 nations.
The Seattle Seafarers Center began in the 1980s. It became The Mission to Seafarers-Seattle in the 90s. Its mission has always been to provide hospitality. They advocate for seafarers’ rights. They provide SIM cards. They also offer crisis intervention.
In 1994, 15 volunteers began the ditty bag program. They packed 300 bags. This became the signature winter program. The Center has delivered over 20000 bags to mariners since 1994.
In 1999, cruise ships began docking in Seattle. By 2004, there were 148 cruise ship dockings. Each ship carried about 1000 foreign crew members. The Seattle Center began serving these mariners. They drove them to downtown Seattle to shop. Over the years, the Seattle Center has transported 200000 crews.
The Mission to Seafarers supports mariners’ spiritual needs. The chaplain checks in with mariners daily. He asks how they are doing emotionally and physically. He offers religious services. He also offers memorial services on board.
The Mission to Seafarers makes seafarers more visible to the community. They provide support that seafarers cannot traditionally get. They are marginalized because they don’t live here.
The Mission to Seafarers stands as a testament to compassion. It offers practical assistance and spiritual support. It provides a lifeline for those who navigate the world’s oceans.