In Rayville, Louisiana — a small town tucked along Interstate 20 in the northeastern corner of the state — Noel Lawson is pouring his energy, savings, and soul into something bigger than himself.

Noel is the founder of Lawson Empire Enterprises, a residential real estate business focused on addressing a dire shortage of quality, affordable housing in Richland Parish. With a population of around 3,300, Rayville has seen nearly a 21% decline since 2000. As of 2022, the median household income stood at just $23,292. Classified as a Persistent Poverty Community, Rayville needs more than homes — it needs hope. Noel is determined to bring both.

Noel is already well on his way. He owns a barbershop in town, drives a school bus, works 20 hours a week at the local Brookshire’s grocery store, and now manages a growing portfolio of real estate projects. Lawson Empire currently owns two neighboring homes, both of which are undergoing full renovations. With assistance from the Lending Team at Communities Unlimited (CU) and Economic Development Loan Officer Candence Brooks, Noel secured financing from a Small Business Administration (SBA) fund to complete one of the homes.

“Everything was smooth. She’s real nice — I like her,” Noel said.

Noel has already invested his own money into the renovation of one of the homes and received a line of credit for the other. His plan is clear: finish both renovations by mid-April 2025, begin accepting rental applications on April 1, and have the first tenants move in by May 1.

CU funding supported property improvements like wall finishing, painting, kitchen updates, flooring, trim, exterior work, and HVAC installation. Noel handled much of the labor himself — laying flooring, hanging sheetrock, installing HVAC units, and sourcing materials — to bring his vision to life.

“I put everything into it,” he said. “I put a lot of love into it. As far as materials go, I try to get the best. I want it to look luxury — like somewhere I would live. I take a lot of pride in it.”

And he’s not done.

After wrapping up these projects, Noel has another home ready for renovation. He’s also planning to build two duplexes — one near the high school in Rayville, another in nearby Archibald, where he currently lives and owns land. It’s a five-project pipeline he intends to complete over the next few years.

“I just want to show others that it’s possible,” Noel said. “You can do it.”

Noel’s motivation runs deep. As a father of three — two sons and a daughter — he juggles multiple jobs while laying a foundation for generational change. Being in a rural area known for poverty, he said receiving financial support from CU meant a lot.

“It’s important — because I can’t do it all by myself,” Noel said. “Even though I have my own business, I’ve got several other jobs. Having those funds helps a whole lot — it doesn’t take away from my personal life. It keeps me from getting stressed.”

He runs the barbershop on an appointment-only basis and works early hours at Brookshire’s and driving school buses to maximize time for his renovation work. Even with support, he carries much of the real estate work on his own shoulders, subcontracting only when needed.

“I had a bad experience with a contractor, so I was pretty much stuck. I didn’t know what to do next. I was at the end. Once I got in contact with you guys and we were able to make it work, it gave me the confidence to keep going,” Noel added.

Inspiration also comes from beyond the balance sheets. Noel recalled a life-changing encounter while on his way back to school in Dallas years ago.

“A guy started following me. I didn’t know why, so I pulled into a gas station,” he said. “He followed me there, got out of his truck, and introduced himself. He told me God wanted him to tell me I should get into real estate. Said he was from Bastrop, owned a lot of Section 8 properties. He just told me, ‘God wanted me to tell you that you should get into real estate and change your life.’”

Noel didn’t give it much thought then. But now, it all makes sense.

“It’s meant to be,” Noel said. “Because no matter what happens — good or bad — God always finds a way to let me know to just keep going. Don’t give up.”

With his eyes on the future and a heart rooted in his hometown, Noel Lawson is doing more than renovating homes. He’s helping restore the spirit of Rayville.

“They need somebody to come in and inspire them — to show them they can do it,” Noel said. “It’s just time for a change. Time for something different.”