The Ndinawe Youth Resource Centre will be expanding to open a 24/7 safe place for at-risk youth and young adults.

The federal government is providing nearly $350,000 for the expansion.

Minister of Indigenous Services Canada Jane Philpott made the announcement at the centre today. She says there's a planned ongoing investment as well.

"We have no doubt that it's going to be money well-spent to provide safety and healing for young people in the area," says Philpott.

Ndinawe director Tammy Christensen says the ability to be open 24/7 is incredible.

"It's not unusual for us to know that our young people are seeking safety on park benches, in bus depots and stairwells; we've even found young people sleeping out behind the garbage bins behind the building, waiting for us to open the doors," says Christensen.

The expansion is being dedicated to Tina Fontaine, who had stayed in the Ndinawe shelter before her body was found in the summer of 2014. Tina's great aunt, Thelma Favel, spoke at today's announcement. She says the family worked with local organizations and Ottawa to secure the funding.