EL CAJON, Calif. -- "You know, this is a dream come true. I never thought this would happen," said Carol McDaniel.

What McDaniel thought would never happen is having a place of her own.

But with considerable influence from El Cajon native and NASCAR champion Jimmie Johnson, Habitat for Humanity is making it happen.

"We looked and looked and looked for a site and couldn't find any. Finally, we stumbled on this, went to Jimmie and said, 'Jimmie, we found a lot but it's for four,' and he said, 'Let's go for it,'" said Cheryl Keenan of Habitat for Humanity.

Johnson's wife, Chandra, was involved as well, putting up numbers for the address and even pounding a few nails.

McDaniel, with the help of volunteers, actually helped build the roof for the home.

"If the roof leaks they'll know who to blame," said McDaniel.

McDaniel was handed the keys and in due time will move out of a cramped apartment into a home she could call her own.

"It means security. It means family traditions. It means grandkids for generations to come. I'll never forget this; this is a dream come true," said McDaniel.

McDaniel's house is one of four that Habitat for Humanity plans to build in the area, and they hope to acquire the lot next door to build even more.

"To have our foundation's focus here in El Cajon, to see this home come together and the other three that will be up here before too long, it's awfully special," said Johnson.

Aside from a new address, the houses will also have a new street and foundation lane.

While the home comes with new amenities, including solar power, Johnson's race car is not an option.