International seafarers are an unreached people group according to the US Center for World Missions. This diverse cultural and religious blend of people live and work together daily while facing the hardships and hazards of life at sea. Seafarers spend most of their working lives separated from family. They are away from home while at sea and out of their home country in each port where they dock. When they come to Port Manatee, Anchor House staff and volunteers strive to meet their needs and share the love of Jesus Christ with them in every way possible. We provide practical needs through our store or by purchasing items for them when they are unable to leave the ship. Our center offers free internet for seafarers to contact their families. We provide for spiritual needs by sharing Christian literature and Bibles, offering onboard worship or devotions and by giving out USB Flash Drives with messages and music we prepare for the seafarers to play while at sea. 

Port workers are in our center every day for food and drinks as well as a place to relax for their lunch or dinner breaks. They work hard and we are present to listen and serve them in some of the same ways we serve seafarers. Especially during this pandemic we are available to talk about it emotionally and spiritually. We also have a weekly devotion with our Tuesday lunch.

As a Christian non-profit organization we are grateful for the faithful support of churches, businesses and individuals who enable us to maintain this outreach to the people of the sea and port workers who are essential workers 365 days a year.