What steps should I take?

I have probably a little under 15k debt through 7 different credit card companies/lenders. I haven’t paid anything in probably 3 years. I was unemployed and living off credit basically, I have a job now but I’m living paycheck to paycheck. Ive gotten letters from collections agencies but I haven’t responded. I didnt know you could be sued until recently! As far as I know, none of the agencies have tried to sue me but even if they did I have no money to pay them. I looked into bankruptcy but I can’t even afford to file. I’m worried about getting sued or possibly missing a court summons and getting arrested. Any suggestions on what I should do would be appreciated. I live in California if that helps.