A private charitable organization that focuses on family homelessness announced today that it has taken over a city-run homeless shelter.

Families in Transition is now in charge of the former Manchester Emergency Shelter at 11 Liberty St in the city's North End.

The shelter will continue to serve homeless families with children. 

Maureen Beautegard, director of the organization, said it will be more accessible, and the location will no longer be a secret. 

"Half of doing this is to let people know we exist," Beauregard said. "Family homelessness exists. People need to know this is real. "

Several organizations have volunteered to participate in a 5-day-long makeover of the home, starting July 23.