The Alabama coast went through a severe storm and flooding in recent weeks, but one community tremendously affected in Daphne is looking for help.

On April 6, Baldwin and Mobile Counties suffered a massive amount of heavy rainfall, resulting in cities such as Spanish Fort and Daphne declaring states of emergency to assess the damage, but the Lake Forest community in Daphne received severe flooding and rain damage.

Nearly 12 inches of rain hit the area during the storm's peak, and around 40 homes in the Lake Forest neighborhood were impacted. Lake Forest President Dr. Byrian Ramsey and subdivision vice president and former U.S. Army Corps of Engineers member Matt Laws said the experience has been traumatic for homeowners in the area. Laws recounted a story about one elderly resident and his friend, who were impacted by the storm.

"He was in a motel room crying his eyes out," Laws recalled. "He was rescued by his son in the middle of the night, in the dark. When the peak hit, he got about 5 inches in his house and it was just devastating."

Daphne Mayor Robin LeJeune and the city have already declared a state of emergency and urged local residents to help those in need.

"Lake Forest is not just a neighborhood; it is a cornerstone of Daphne's identity," Ramsey said in a statement on Lake Forest's website. "These are our neighbors, our local business owners, our friends and our families. They need your help. Declaring a State of Emergency is not just a governmental procedure, it is a declaration of compassion, responsibility, and solidarity."

The American Red Cross has been involved in helping those in need, but Ramsey said it will take at least 30 to 90 days before they can receive federal aid. However, those in Daphne and Baldwin County can help in other ways.

The Lake Forest Property Owners Association (LFPOA) Board has organized a collection drive to gather supplies and essentials to residents and families in the neighborhood affected by the storm. Items such as paper towels, gloves, trash bags, cleaning supplies, drywall, spare fencing material and furniture are being accepted as part of the drive.

Donations for the collection drive can be dropped off at the LFPOA office located within the clubhouse. Lake Forest is also looking for volunteers to assist in their cleanup and community support. They can be contacted at (251) 626-0788.

"We care for you, we want the best for you and we're doing what we can to help you in any of the situations that you're in," Ramsey said about Lake Forest residents. "This board is a board of proactiveness. We want the community to be involved, we want them to volunteer, we want them to give back to the community and as we continue to do that, we're building that sense of community that we all can be proud of."