COLUMBUS (WCMH) – A man who has dreamed for years about owning his own home got his wish Friday.

Eugene Johnson received the keys to his new home in Linden Friday morning, as Habitat for Humanity-MidOhio and the Columbus Crew SC helped dedicate the house.

Columbus Crew brand ambassador Frankie Hejduk presented Johnson with a framed Crew jersey bearing his name.

The home was worked on by Crew SC midfielder Wil Trapp and defender Jonathan Mensah earlier this year, as well as by some of the Ohio State Buckeyes. Hejduk, along with MAPFRE Insurance Assistant Vice President of Business Development Patrick Filipkowski and other representatives from local organizations including AEP Ohio, presented Johnson with his keys and other mementos.

“I’ve always dreamed of owning my own home. I never knew that it would come this soon,” Johnson said. “I’m very appreciative. I didn’t expect so many people. But I’m very appreciative and happy.”

Johnson put in 200 hours of “sweat equity,” helping build his own home, throughout the building process.

“It’s meaningful because it gives hope to those who don’t think that there is any hope,” Johnson said. “It actually helps to build up the community that actually needs to help strengthen the community.”

Frankie Hejduk said that working with Habitat for Humanity helps not only the community, but the Crew players as well.

“Not only brings a smile to his face, but it brings a smile to everyone’s face, everyone that was involved in the project and some of our players were involved in the project and they’re out here and smiling away,” Hejduk said.

This is the fourth consecutive year that Crew SC has partnered with Habitat for Humanity-MidOhio on similar projects.