INTRODUCTION:
People experiencing social vulnerability face structural barriers to access healthcare, health promotion and social participation. University extension, when grounded in dialogue and critical engagement with reality, constitutes a privileged space for care production, learning and social transformation. The project Sal & Luz: bringing flavor and illuminating lives is a university extension initiative developed by medical students from EMESCAM, guided by the principles of popular education in health and the Brazilian National Policy on Integrative and Complementary Practices, implemented at the Vitória Shelter.

METHODS:
The project was carried out through biweekly meetings at the shelter, with collective planning of activities based on dialogue with residents and staff. Activities included music therapy, meditation, yoga, caricature workshops, painting workshops, physiotherapy actions, as well as educational activities addressing tobacco use, breast cancer and other health topics. Interventions prioritized participatory methodologies, valuing participants’ knowledge and promoting horizontal relationships between students and shelter residents.

RESULTS:
Continuous participation and active engagement of residents were observed throughout the activities. Participants reported feelings of welcome, relaxation, strengthened social bonds and appreciation of bodily and artistic expression. Body-based and meditative practices proved effective in promoting immediate well-being, while artistic workshops fostered autonomy and creativity. For students, the project contributed to a deeper understanding of social determinants of health, the development of listening, communication and comprehensive care skills, and the strengthening of ethical and social commitment to medical practice oriented toward real community needs.

CONCLUSIONS:
The Sal & Luz project highlights the potential of university extension grounded in popular education and human encounter as a strategy for health promotion, social inclusion and critical medical education. It represents a feasible, low-cost model capable of integrating care, learning and social transformation, reinforcing the role of public universities in addressing health inequities and promoting more humane and comprehensive health practices.