ssh: HOME variable issue
Here is a solid workaround which requires a bit of work if you are not accustomed with the subject:
Edit BOOT partition.  

In the BOOT partition (boot.img) are stored all the files that will be loaded in / at boot.
I added a symlink in it:

.ssh -&gt; /data/.ssh


Here are two very helpful tutorials that will get you going:
HOWTO: Unpack, Edit, and Repack Boot Images
Android boot.img manipulation  

a little hint:
Do edit the ramdisk in your Android device.
I spent three days in frustration trying to do so in my pc, I guess is a matter of "endianness".