diff --git a/packages/network/openssh/init.d/51_sshd b/packages/network/openssh/init.d/51_sshd
index 9903a6fbd1..6900bd9077 100644
--- a/packages/network/openssh/init.d/51_sshd
+++ b/packages/network/openssh/init.d/51_sshd
@@ -22,6 +22,10 @@
 #
 # runlevels: openelec, textmode
 
+  # can be called from openelec addon.
+  # ensure that environment is sane
+  . /etc/profile
+
   if [ -f /etc/sshd.conf ]; then
     . /etc/sshd.conf
   elif [ -f /storage/.config/sshd.conf ]; then