PieLab, an initiative of Project M, is focused on community development and engagement in Hale County, AL.

PieLab is a welcoming community space on Greensboro’s Main Street that provides delicious pie and coffee, as well as retail and hospitality job training for local youth through the YouthBuild Program. More than simply a pie shop, PieLab operates as a community design center focusing on community development projects and small business incubation in Greensboro and the surrounding five counties.

From their website, mmm.pielab.org

I walked in and noticed one thing: BIKES! They were all over the place. After talking a bit, they mentioned that they wanted to start a bike collective and needed some help. hurrah! We exchanged cards and ideas, ate some killer pie, visited a bit and then set out.

Dirt walls!

For the next hour we drove through Hale County to see the Rural Studio projects. It was inspiring, to say the least. Oh, did I mention that our tour guides were one past and one present Rural Studio students? Yeah, that was awesome.

Mason's bend Chapel project

After the car tour, we parked back at Pie Lab and 3 of us took our bikes and toured the buildings in Greensboro. It was a blast, seeing the inspiration and work of hope-filled, talented folks. If ever in Alabama, I highly suggest you check both out. A sweet, inspiring day spent with new and old friends. A good day.

Dash and Andrew in front of 2 of the 20K homes

Dog Pound Project

For the full set of photos, check it out here. Thanks to everyone at Pie Lab, Rural Studio and the awesome folks we let me tag along!