Thanks to the generosity of strangers, homeless man who ‘won’ the lottery isn’t homeless anymore

It's the prank that keeps on giving. (And keeps on making us sniffle. Watch without tissues at your own risk.)

Earlier this year, YouTube prankster Magic of Rahat offered Eric, a panhandling homeless man, a lottery ticket — and set him up for a $1,000 jackpot.

Eric was moved to tears, even offering to share the unexpected windfall.

The heartwarming prank went viral. Viewers wanted to help Eric, too.

Almost 3,000 Good Samaritans across North America donated a total of more than $45,000 to help Eric get back on his feet.

And now, thanks to the generosity of those strangers, Eric is no longer homeless.

When Rahat visited Eric at the hotel room he helped him acquire, Eric told his friend that he had a new job.

To celebrate, Rahat offered to take him out to dinner. On the way, he had to make a quick stop: Eric's new house.

"You got to be kidding me!" Eric laughed. "Oh, my God! Are you serious?"

The money Rahat raised for Eric will furnish the house — and cover rent and expenses for a year. Rahat will help Eric manage the more than $20,000 left over in a joint bank account.

Eric thanked his fans for their kindness.

"I am just so thankful. My God, my man," he said. "Everybody that helped me out I thank you from the bottom of my heart. I thank you for sticking with me, and I thank you for believing in me. I love you all. I thank you. I thank you for being there for me."