I sent a demand letter for a debt thaat was acknowlegded by the creditor. after 30 days no response as yet. what do I do next? I can't afford a lawyer

If your demand letter did not get results, you sue the debtor.  If you can't afford a lawyer, handle it yourself; the clerk of your local court will help you.  You should be aware, however, that there are attorneys who will handle a collection matter like this on a contingency basis, meaning that their only fees (attorneys' fees, not expenses like filing fees, which you are obliged to pay, win or lose) will be a percentage of what they collect.  If they collect nothing, you pay no attorneys' fees.