The annual point-in-time count results D.C. released Friday show an increase in homelessness after several consecutive years of declining numbers.

D.C. saw a significant drop in chronic homelessness: Families saw a decrease of 26%, and single adults saw 22%.

The drop in homelessness was largely driven by a vast reduction in families experiencing homelessness.

Volunteers were required to take safety precautions — wearing face masks, shields, and gloves.

“This year perhaps more than ever, it is apparent that housing is health care.”

The Point-in-Time count is an annual census of the city’s homeless population. This year’s was conducted Wednesday.

But it is still up 9 percent from five years ago.

Behind only California and Washington state in terms of the absolute increase.

But the homeless population is still up by 11 percent from last year.