matplotlib and zope problem

Hello All, I've been using matplotlib for some time now,

    > and I want to connect it with zope. I'am using the example
    > code from page:
    > http://www.scipy.org/Cookbook/Matplotlib/Matplotlib_and_Zope
    > , but whenever I try to import matplotlib, and/or pylab
    > packages i get this error from zope:

    > Error Type: RuntimeError Error Value: '/' is not a writable
    > dir; you must set environment variable HOME to be a
    > writable dir

    > Have You got any ideas, on what might go wrong? I'am using
    > matplotlib 0.87.4, and zope 2.9.5 with python 2.4.3 on
    > gentoo linux box.

Have you tried following the advice in the error message

  "you must set environment variable HOME to be a writable dir"