How can one clear their conscience regarding a trust (clothes and simple items) belonging to people whose whereabouts are unknown and whose value cannot be estimated, given the family's difficult financial situation? Is it permissible to donate its value to the husband and family to meet their needs? And would that absolve one of sin?

Sincere repentance is obligatory for breaching a trust, as it is a violation of Allah's command and a sign of hypocrisy. What was taken from the neighbors remains a debt, so they must be sought out to return what was taken or its value. If they cannot be found after a genuine search, its value must be given as charity to the poor and needy. It is not permissible to give it as charity to relatives. If the rightful owners are found later, they have the choice between ratifying the charity or taking the value.