Santa arrived at North Pole early last year. And in his bag he carried new housing and self-sufficiency for disabled single parents.

The North Pole, Alaska, home is for single parents with disabilities.

Parents with disabilities and children gather in the common area, which includes a shared kitchen, for movie nights.

Last year, the Fairbanks Resource Agency opened a new six-unit apartment complex in North Pole, Alaska, and began moving in families whose primary caregiver is disabled.

At the Jack and Virginia Wright House, parents have the support systems that have enabled them to lead more mainstream type lives, including joining activities at their children's schools and churches. Living in the stable environment has also enabled two of the single moms to obtain jobs and eliminate their dependence on public assistance.

"We have worked with hundreds of families to develop healthy households for children and balance that with the challenges posed by their parents' individual disabilities," says FRA Executive Director Emily Ennis. "One piece that was always missing from this puzzle was the ability to provide a 'wrap around' service for those who needed hands-on support for stability. Now, we have that missing piece."

Two years ago, FRA was successful in garnering a HUD 811 grant -- Supportive Housing for Persons With Disabilities -- to build the apartments. The building is designed so that all apartments surround a common area equipped with a small kitchen and sitting room. Each of the parents now can develop a strong support group of peers and a social network with neighbors. As a result, families can now barbecue together, join in craft projects or attend movie nights. One mom has physical mobility limitations, and her accessible apartment has allowed her more independence in caring for her child.

On-site staff are available daily to help families develop housekeeping and personal paperwork skills, and there is around-the-clock help for emergencies or additional support. For many parents this is their first opportunity to live in a new, clean and safe apartment. Ennis adds she has seen a good deal of growth in personal pride and responsibility for taking care of their homes and families.