Part of the Registry of Deeds Building in East Cambridge is in use as a state emergency family homeless shelter. (Photo: Marc Levy)

An online information session about the emergency shelter at East Cambridge’s Registry of Deeds Building is planned by state and city officials for 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday. The Safety Net Family Shelter opened Friday at 208 Cambridge St.

“Learn about the state shelter, the families it is supporting, how the community can help and more,” said a city email sent Tuesday. State and city officials will be available to answer questions about the shelter.

The Safety Net Family Shelter will house 20 to 30 families temporarily starting Friday evening, and “ultimately be able to accommodate up to 70 families with cots and amenities” with 24-hour on-site security, the city said. Amenities lacking at the shelter such as showers are being provided at an MIT recreation facility; the school said the facility would be on a modified schedule through Jan. 13.

“The city contacted MIT to see if they would be willing and able to accommodate families staying in the state shelter with critical daytime services,” city spokesperson Jeremy Warnick said Friday. School officials “were incredibly supportive.”

Registration for the meeting is at camb.ma/sheltersession.