New kiosk offers safer solution for city’s ‘water boys’

ATLANTA — A group that advocates for young people in Atlanta has a new solution for the city’s so-called “water boys.”

The water boys refer to teens who sell water at intersections around the city.

The group, Helping Empower Youth, just opened a water kiosk in downtown Atlanta.

It is on Peachtree Street next to the Peachtree Center MARTA station.

It helped the teens create and sell their own private label water brand at the kiosk.

It is called Hey! Hydrate!

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“Since late Summer 2020, Hey! Hydrate! has redirected efforts of 25 Black male teens from street corners and intersections to classrooms, part time jobs, entrepreneurial training, and the creation of H Hey! Hydrate!” a news release said.

Leaders of the company said the kiosk will help the Water Boys develop life skills without putting them in harm’s way.

“The city demanded a safer way for our youth to sell water and here it is. We are solution driven and now we are asking the city to support these young men as they work to build lifelong skills,” said KaCey Venning, co-founder and executive director of Hey! Hydrate!

Teens and adults run the kiosk.

You can donate to the program by CLICKING HERE.

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Reformed convicted felon helping Atlanta's Water Boys The teens, young adults can be seen selling water on the sides of busy Atlanta roads.

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