From strangers to best friends

In the last few months, two homes on Phillip street in Fresno were transformed. While fresh flowers and a community garden grew on the outside, an unexpected friendship blossomed on the inside.

Chanthi and James lived next door to each other for over a year before they had a conversation. One morning, someone drove up and stole James Graham’s mail. Chanthi Sreng’s home security camera caught it all on tape.

After reviewing footage together, the two neighbors became friends.

“We started talking about how we both wanted to redo our yards. We decided to rent some tools and work together,” said Graham.

They started working together every day for weeks. The end result was so good it started to get the attention of other neighbors.

Their work and friendship had a ripple effect on the neighborhood. They recently helped a next-door neighbor build a new fence, and they plan to team up with another neighbor to plant a community garden.

Being active in the yard everyday prompted them to live a healthier lifestyle. After the yards were finished, both men wanted to continue to be active together.

Fishing, bike riding, and maintaining their community garden are just a few ways that James and Chanthi spend their time.

“I don’t think I have any relationships that are as close as I am with him. In a short time, I practically consider him family, another brother,” said Sreng.

Graham even accompanied Sreng and his wife to the courthouse and act as their witness when they got married.

Both men say that COVID-19 and sheltering-in-place made them realize how important it is to have a supportive community.