[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.