Fixing my credit to buy a house

So I don’t have much credit history, but last year I lost my job and fell behind on rent. I didn’t get evicted but I owe the apartment complex about $4.2k I have a score of 488 right now. Currently crashing at my dad’s place but with me and two kids, it’s getting to be an issue. I don’t make much money, about $600 a week after taxes. I can’t get a conventional rental because who would rent to someone with 4.2k owed? I have to find a place soon, but I can’t really afford the rental market. I am not quite sure what to do honestly. I have disputed the debt in an attempt to get it off my report, but I bet the dispute will be denied. What steps would you take to get whole? I’m not sure what questions to even ask, I just need some help here. I’m young and dumb.