Rooftop of Virginia CAP was formed in 1965 as a result of the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 and was designed as a community action agency to help low-income citizens of Carroll and Grayson Counties and the City of Galax.

Rooftop continues to subscribe to the original goal of the Economic Opportunity Act, directing its efforts to the elimination of "poverty in the midst of plenty in this nation by offering to everyone the opportunity for education and training, the opportunity to work, the opportunity to live in decency and dignity."

The methods of combating poverty focus on assisting and empowering low-income citizens by using various strategies to increase their level of self-sufficiency. The outcomes improve the individuals' and families' quality of life and strengthen the community in which they live.