Yep !

Anon. said - "So you just found out the root of the urban crisis? 'Just hire yourself, young man.'".
Exactly.
Every bad neighborhood has a sub economy.
Whether it's the lady who sells frozen Kool-Aid cups and candy, or the woman who braids hair, or even the guy who does every ones lawn.
Productive people always find a way to produce.

Some people scoff at the idea of selling oranges at the side of the freeway - but not me.
At least these guys are working.
Not complaining.
Not begging.
These guys (even at the micro-level) understand the value of "The Hustle".

People who paint addresses on curbs can make $100-$400 a day.
Part time.
Tax Free.

How do you think most big businesses started?
By providing a service to a demographic which was under served.

But no, Anon., starting a shoeshine company was not my answer to underemployment in urban areas.
Understanding the concept of "The Hustle" is.