    [Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 41, Number 36 (Monday, September 12, 2005)]
    [Page 1358]
    [Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    <R04>
    Remarks Following a Meeting With National Voluntary Organizations
    Representatives

    September 6, 2005

    Hurricane Katrina Recovery Efforts

        Listen, I want to thank leaders of the--in the faith--faith-based
    and community-based community for being here. We've got people who
    represent thousands of volunteers who are in the midst of helping save
    lives.
        You know, there's a debate here about refugees. Let me tell you my
    attitude and the attitude of people around this table. The people we're
    talking about are not refugees; they are Americans. And they need the
    help and love and compassion of our fellow citizens. And the people at
    this table are providing that help and compassion and love.
        If you want to help, support the Red Cross or the Salvation Army or
    your church or the United Way. Houston, for example, is going to kick
    off a United Way campaign, and that money is going to help with the
    costs of the displaced persons inside of Houston. So please give cash
    money to organizations that are directly involved in helping save
    lives--save the lives that have been affected by Hurricane Katrina.
        We have spent time talking about how we can make sure we continue
    progress, make sure people get--not only continue to get the affection
    and love of people in the private sector, but also to make sure that the
    Government gets people their Social Security checks or their veterans
    benefits checks, the checks that--unemployment checks. And we'll do
    that. We'll do that.
        Out of the darkness will come some light, and the light I saw
    yesterday at the program in Baton Rouge with T.D. Jakes was so apparent
    to me. And it's based upon the fact that we've got citizens who are
    willing to take time to love somebody like they would like to be loved
    themselves, welcome a stranger in their midst. And for those of you who
    have done that, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. You're a part
    of the strength of this country. You're what makes America a great
    place.
        In the meantime, we'll continue to work together to do our duty and
    to help our citizens who hurt and help this great part of the country
    rebuild.
        God bless.

    Note: The President spoke at 12:02 p.m. in the Roosevelt Room at the
    White House. In his remarks, he referred to Bishop Thomas D. Jakes,
    chief executive officer, The Potter's House of Dallas, Inc., Dallas, TX.