Do they actually do anything charitable?
Yes, in a way. The Church is very big on good appearances and no doubt there's the same humanitarian feeling about improving the world we all share. $cientology is all about appealing to our better nature, unfortunately that's mainly to exploit it in service to the Church.
The problem is that the charitable efforts are as much about PR and recruitment as anything else. There's a practice of turning up to crisis events and offering food, drink and 'touch assists' (sort of a $ceino reiki) but the main goal there is to try to edge out trained volunteers from standard psychology backgrounds. $cientology sees psychology and psychiatry as the arch enemy and actually characterise the professions as literally evil. Here's an account of their
efforts on 9/11.
They're not really into helping the poor. The motto is: help the able to become more able. The attitude to the poor is a victim blaming one. If they had the right mental rigour, they'd get the money together to pay for Diantetics and improve themselves.
Once in sea org do they pay for your food and things? How do Folk support themselves ?
When you join the Sea Org, you sign a contract for a billion (yes, that's billion with a b) year contract. Food and lodging is provided. They'll probably pay for your unifom although I ended up having to buy mine. You work all hours, at least 12 a day. If things are going well you'll be permitted every second Sunday off. For this you're paid an allowance. This amount varies but the maximum I've seen reported is $50. $24 was standard when I was in. I was on a lower rank so only received $12/wk.
There is an ongoing case with Fair Work Australia about this. The Church is, of course, seeking an exemption from having to pay minimum wage. There's been some legal action in the US too, but nothing's been resolved there either.
Are you actually on boat in sea org
Back in the 60s, $cientology was running into legal trouble everywhere and Hubbard conceived of a floating organisation operating beyond the jurisdiction of national laws. A couple of ships were purchased and they sailed around a bit. Hubbard's fantasy was that some 3rd world country might be won over to the cause and become a $ceino nation.
When things settled down a bit on the legal front (by the mid 70s) a land base was created in Clearwater, Florida. There is still a ship. It's a cruise liner that sails around the Carribean, operating as a de luxe centre for $cientology services and as a venue for special events.
All Sea Org staff wear pseudo naval outfits but few these days have anything to do with matters nautical.
