Established in 2004, the VFW Unmet Needs program (www.unmetneeds.com) has provided over $10.5 million in emergency assistance grants to nearly 9,000 qualified veterans and military families. In 2007 Burger King franchisees became the primary supporters of the Unmet Needs program; to date they have raised more than $5.3 million to provide veterans and military families with assistance for rent, mortgages, utilities, vehicle repair, food and other basic needs. Eligible applicants can receive grants of up to $1,500 toward qualifying expenses, paid directly to the creditor.