Despite politics that rival Trump's (the smaller the town, the bigger the drama, right?), Gulfport is, at its heart, one of the coolest places in the world.
Why?
Because in between the bullshit that revolves around their municipal elections and the Clam Bayou "Shitocalypse", you can find a heart that beats louder than that of many larger cities.
Credit Best of the Bay winner Gulfport Neighbors and (CL contributor and BarkBox writer) Arin Greenwood, who partnered to develop People 'N Pets, a program that allows elderly, infirm and temporarily unfortunate to get help from the Gulfport Neighbors.
Here's how it works: Say you need a hip replacement, or you get into a car accident, and your energetic puppy needs a walk, but you can't do it? BANG: Call People 'N Pets. What about if you get laid off (Thanks a lot, President Trump and your "guest worker" program!) and Fluffy breaks a leg at the dog park? BANG: Call People 'N Pets (disclaimer: the fund, right now, is so small as to be called "nonexistent" but Gulfport Neighbors will accept donations to help defray such expenses for locals). Finally, if you're caught between social security checks (or whatever) and you need help buying cans of Buffalo Blue, Gulfport Neighbors' People 'N Pets can step in with emergency food.
Of course, programs like this depend on donations, too, so if you can help, Gulfport Neighbors welcomes your donations.
Either way, what an awesome town.
This article appears in Feb 25 – Mar 2, 2016.
