One woman was stabbed and another arrested following a confrontation during a shower program for the homeless at a church near Downtown Long Beach Saturday morning.

The incident was reported at 10:30 a.m. at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, located at the northwest corner of 7th Street and Atlantic Avenue.

“The preliminary investigation revealed the victim and an adult female suspect were involved in a verbal altercation which led to the stabbing,” police spokeswoman Jennifer De Prez said.

The victim was stabbed in her upper torso, but the injuries weren’t life-threatening, according to police. She was treated by paramedics at the scene, De Prez said.

The suspect, who fled the scene, was found by police a short distance away and taken into custody without incident, according to De Prez.

Officers were assisted by a helicopter in the search as well.

The victim and the suspect both knew each other, authorities said.

Rev. Nancy Frausto, associate rector at the church, said the church has seen an increase of violence among its homeless population, due in part to mental illness issues, in the last couple of weeks.

“Today, unfortunately, it escalated,” Frausto said.

St. Luke’s, for several years, has hosted a homeless shower program for men and women experiencing homelessness. It includes hot showers, clean clothing, amenities and a meal.

It’s run by program volunteers and parishioners, but has no security, which is why Frausto was thankful for the quick response by police.

“Sometimes stuff like this happens, and we just have to be more prepared,” Frausto said.