

# Event Details

- **Event Name**: H.U.G.S. PRESENTS: A HISTORIC CELEBRATION – JANUARY 17, 2026 | SALINAS ?
- **Event Start and End Date**: Sat, 17 Jan, 2026 at 08:00 am – Sat, 17 Jan, 2026 at 04:00 pm
- **Event Description**: ? H.U.G.S. PRESENTS: A HISTORIC CELEBRATION – JANUARY 17, 2026 | SALINAS ?


We are celebrating the 10-year anniversary of the Salinas/Monterey County Homeless Union, the first chapter to help re-establish the National Union of the Homeless.


This is a once-in-a-lifetime gathering of unhoused and formerly unhoused leaders, organizers, scholars, and activists from across the nation, coming together to share strategy, solidarity, and victories in the fight for housing, justice, and human dignity.


This event is historic, educational, and transformative — a rare opportunity to hear from people who have lived homelessness, fought in the courts, and shaped the national movement for economic justice.


National &amp; State Leaders in Attendance Include:


Rev. Dr. Liz Theoharis – Executive Director, Kairos Center; co-chair, Poor People’s Campaign


Willie Baptist – Education Director, Kensington Welfare Rights Union; lifelong organizer and author


Kristin Colangelo – Membership Director, National Union of the Homeless; Co-Coordinator, University of the Poor


Luis J. Rodriguez – Author, poet, activist, former gang member and Los Angeles Poet Laureate


Emory Paul – Predoctoral Research Fellow, Johns Hopkins University; scholar of homelessness organizing


Juan L. Sánchez – Artistic Director, Palenke Arts; educator and musician bridging art and justice


Alicia Kuhl – Founder, Santa Cruz Homeless Union Chapter; advocate for unhoused families


Wes White – President, Salinas/Monterey County Homeless Union; national leader, activist, media creator


Crystal Sanchez – President, Sacramento Homeless Union; Western Regional Co-Director, NUH


Rita Acosta, Luis Xago Juarez, Anthony Prince, Pauline Pisano, Monike Tone, Bella Maddox, Miriam Smith, Leticia Ibarra, Sarah (Hope Haven), Jason Sarris, Keith McHenry


Why You Should Attend:


Learn from leaders who have fought sweeps, challenged unjust laws, and established self-governed camps across California


Gain insight into legal strategies, mutual aid networks, and people-led policy development


Witness music, arts, and spiritual practices that inspire, unify, and celebrate our communities


Hear groundbreaking panels on homelessness, organizing, policy, and community power


Celebrate the victories of the Salinas/Monterey County Homeless Union and the National Union of the Homeless


? Location: John Steinbeck Center, One Main Street, Salinas, CA

? Time: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM | FREE &amp; OPEN TO ALL


? Be part of history. Learn from national leaders. Celebrate the power of organizing. This is a gathering you will never forget.


RSVP &amp; Info:

Text Crystal: 916-495-9026 or Wes: 510-274-9275


? Share, invite, and spread the word. This is a once-in-a-decade convergence of the brightest minds, boldest organizers, and strongest voices of the homeless movement in the U.S.
- **Event URL**: https://allevents.in/salinas/hugs-presents-a-historic-celebration-january-17-2026-|-salinas/200029502596011
- **Event Categories**: art, literary-art, music, entertainment, spiritual
- **Interested Audience**: 
  - total_interested_count: 5

## Ticket Details

- **Ticket URL**: http://facebook.com/200029502596011?utm_source=AllEvents.in&utm_medium=event-discovery-platform&utm_campaign=salinas-events

## Event venue details

- **city**: Salinas
- **state**: CA
- **country**: United States
- **location**: National Steinbeck Center
- **lat**: 36.677052938568
- **long**: -121.65548399177
- **full address**: National Steinbeck Center, 1 Main St,Salinas, California, United States

## Event Organizer details

- **affiliate_id**: 2
- **organizer**: Alicia Kuhl (https://allevents.in/org/alicia-kuhl/27355242)

## Event gallery

- **Alt text**: banner
  - **Image URL**: https://cdn-az.allevents.in/events5/banners/ec10d4a04ffdc4cb21e45100ecb311bc0e526cca373b972b51b1ca9be50d6bd2-rimg-w1200-h669-dc2f1fa2-gmir?v=1768479011
- **Alt text**: thumbnail
  - **Image URL**: https://cdn-az.allevents.in/events5/banners/1b9d00b87960dc6387195332d90324d4ee97a16ca05a82510c86c0ff4193cdc9-rimg-w300-h300-dc2f1fa3-gmir?v=1768479011

## FAQs

- **Q**: When is the event happening?
  - **A:** Sat, 17 Jan, 2026 at 08:00 am
- **Q**: Where is the event happening?
  - **A:** National Steinbeck Center, 1 Main St,Salinas, California, United States
- **Q**: Who is organizing the event?
  - **A:** Alicia Kuhl
- **Q**: What type of event is this?
  - **A:** art, literary-art, music, entertainment, spiritual
- **Q**: Where can I find ticket details about H.U.G.S. PRESENTS: A HISTORIC CELEBRATION – JANUARY 17, 2026 | SALINAS ? ?
  - **A:** You can find ticket details about this event on AllEvents.

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