. >> reporter: santigie kargbo came to the united states 18 years ago. he was supposed to live with a family in texas but because of financial stress, he had to move in with an adult cousin. he was reduced to being a live- in nanny or house boy just doing chores and not going to school. that's when he realized his education was a top priority. >> i don't want things to go wrong with me and i focus on my education. >> reporter: when he enrolled in public high school in falls church, the school social worker realized he was homeless. he was referred to the alternative house and through their homeless youth initiative, he now shares a home with three roommates. >> my roommates ask about my education. i know they care about me. >> the rent is partially subsidized. he pays $150 a month with the money he turns while working at sears part-time. >> my manager always care about me. >> last year the homeless youth initiative helped 17 high school students earn their diplomas. >> it's been phenomenally successful. it takes kids who probably would have to drop out o

. >> santigie kargbo came to the united states nine months ago from sierra leone africa. 18-year-old was supposed to live with his family in texas, but because of financial stress he had to move in with an adult cousin in virginia. >> things did not work well, so i move out. >> kargbo said he was reduced to being a live-in house boy just doing chores and not going to school. that's when he realized his education was a top priority. >> that's when i didn't want things to go wrong with me and i focus on my education. >> when he enrolled in public high school in falls church, the social worker realized he was homeless. kargo was refused to the alternative house and through their homeless youth initiative he now shares a home with three roommates. >> my roommates usually ask me about my education, how i got my education. i know they care about me. >> reporter: the rent is partially subsidized by alternative house. kargbo pays $150 a month with the money he earns working at sears part time. >> my manager rafael, he always care about me. >> reporter: last year the homeless yout