When Bubba Jenkins joined the Habitat for Humanity St. Tammany West Board of Directors in March, it was a natural extension of his lifelong commitment to home building and community service. As a board member, Jenkins collaborates with other dedicated leaders to support the organization’s mission–providing safe, affordable housing to families in need. His role involves strategic planning, community engagement, fundraising and oversight, ensuring that more families have access to the stability and dignity of homeownership.
But Jenkins’ connection to Habitat goes far beyond his recent board appointment. As the owner of Jenkins Homes in Mandeville, he has spent nearly two decades building homes and advocating for the industry. His journey began as a teenager working alongside his father in residential construction–a hands-on education that shaped his career and his passion for helping others.
“I’ve seen firsthand how a home can transform a family’s future,” Jenkins shares. “Whether it’s through my work with Habitat or my own company, I love knowing that I’ve played a part in helping someone achieve the American dream of homeownership.”
Beyond his local work, Jenkins has served in leadership roles with the Northshore Home Builders Association, the Louisiana Home Builders Association, and the National Association of Home Builders. Through these positions, he has advocated for policies that support affordable housing while navigating the challenges of rising costs and regulatory barriers.
The biggest challenge we face is making housing accessible without getting buried under layers of regulation,” he explains. “Government regulations account for nearly 24% of the cost of a new home, making it harder for working families to achieve homeownership. It’s a mindset we need to change.”
Jenkins’ dedication to his community doesn’t stop at housing. He has served on the Advisory Board for the St. Tammany Chamber of Commerce, taught Bible study at First Baptist Church of Covington for over a decade, and even helped raise funds for Habitat through the Raising the Roof for Charity Foundation.
Outside of his professional commitments, Jenkins is a devoted husband to his wife, Beth, and a proud father of two daughters. Whether they’re traveling, enjoying wine in Bush, or cheering for the Saints as longtime season ticket holders, family is at the heart of everything he does.
For Jenkins, being part of Habitat for Humanity St. Tammany West is a chance to give back to a community that has given so much to him. “This parish has been home my whole life. It’s where I learned to build, where I’ve raised my family, and where I’ve built a business. Giving back is just part of who we are.”
